Walberg Asks State Department to Take Action, Remedy Passport Situation

Press Release

WALBERG ASKS STATE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE ACTION, REMEDY PASSPORT SITUATION

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today signed on to a letter asking Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to immediately investigate and take action to remedy the unusually long delays Americans currently face when requesting passport applications and renewals from the State Department. The letter is available below, right.

"It is unacceptable that hard-working, law-abiding Americans are changing travel plans and re-arranging schedules because of State Department delays," Walberg said.

"These delays are being caused by bureaucratic inefficiency, not security threats, and no one should have to wait over 20 weeks to receive a passport."

BACKGROUND:

- The State Department temporarily waived some passport regulations today:
www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/NEWS01/306080006

- Today's ruling does not apply to trips to Europe, Asia, South America, etc.

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