[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 327 Introduced in House (IH)]






109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 327

      Supporting the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 16, 2005

Ms. Lee (for herself, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Payne, Mr. Gutierrez, Ms. Norton, 
  Mr. Conyers, Mr. Owens, and Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government 
                                 Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
      Supporting the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.

Whereas, through international travel, Americans can individually play a major 
        role towards improving foreign relations by building bridges and making 
        connections with citizens of other countries;
Whereas interacting with the global community inspires Americans to reflect on 
        the diverse multi-cultural background that has defined the United States 
        as a great country of cooperation and progress;
Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad creates connections with the 
        global community, supporting goodwill throughout the world;
Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad promotes understanding and 
        goodwill throughout the world, opening the doors to increased peace, 
        tolerance, and acceptance;
Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad opens up a preponderance of 
        educational opportunities and experiences for Americans of all ages;
Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad enables Americans to see first-
        hand the effect of the United States on the world, including the 
        tremendous amount of humanitarian aid given by the United States through 
        both public and private sectors;
Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad reminds Americans that they are 
        members of a global family and gives them opportunities to mend rifts 
        around the world;
Whereas fewer than 23 percent of Americans have passports, thereby limiting 
        their ability to travel outside the United States;
Whereas the more Americans travel outside the United States, the more they will 
        experience opportunities to increase their understanding of the world 
        and the place of the United States in it;
Whereas the creation and support of a National Passport Month signals to 
        Americans the important role they can play as ambassadors for the United 
        States by serving as agents of understanding, tolerance, and mutual 
        respect; and
Whereas travel publishers along with travel editors from the most prestigious 
        media outlets in the United States, student travel organizations, and 
        book sellers have designated September as ``National Passport Month'' to 
        educate the public about the importance of having a passport and the 
        positive impact international travel has on individuals: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Passport 
        Month; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, 
        nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the 
        people of the United States to observe the month with 
        appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
                                 <all>