[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WAIVING PASSPORT FEES FOR RELATIVES OF DECEASED MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1184, 
a bill that would waive the passport fees for a relative of a deceased 
member of the Armed Forces who is proceeding abroad to visit the grave 
of such member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such 
member.
  The current United States passport fee is $97.00 for adults and 
$82.00 for children under 16. Present law allows waivers for a widow, 
child, parent, brother or sister to visit a grave. The proposed bill 
would expand the waiver to include grandparents, and it would add 
funerals and memorial services as well as grave site visits.
  At a time of such grieving for a lost service member, the family of 
the fallen hero should not have to worry about paying passport fees, 
which can add up quickly for a family. Waiving the fee in such cases is 
the least that we can do.
  I urge you to vote for this bill.

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