[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12385-S12386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL PASSPORT MONTH

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 338, submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 338) supporting the goals and ideals 
     of National Passport Month.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of this 
resolution that would designate the month of September as ``National 
Passport Month.''
  Travel book publishers, along with travel editors from some of the 
most prestigious media outlets in the United States and many student 
travel organizations, have designated September as ``National Passport 
Month'' as part of a campaign to educate the public about the 
importance of having a passport.
  This resolution supports the goals and ideals of ``National Passport 
Month'' and calls on the Federal Government, States, schools, 
businesses and the people of the United States to observe the month of 
September with programs and activities that will encourage Americans to 
get their passports and see the world.
  Since 2000, the number of passport applications received by the U.S. 
State Department has increased by 66 percent. This year, the State 
Department is expected to issue a record 17 million passports, up from 
last year's record of 12 million.
  This surge in passport applications has led to longer processing 
times, averaging 6 to 8 weeks. As a result, there have been significant 
increases in public requests for expedited processing.
  The designation of September as ``National Passport Month'' will 
serve as an important reminder for the American people to plan ahead 
and begin their passport application process early.
  Despite the significant increase in the number of passport 
applications being processed, fewer than 23 percent of Americans have 
passports.
  This number is far too low. International travel provides a unique 
perspective of the world and is an invaluable opportunity to interact 
with the global community and experience world cultures first hand.
  I want to encourage the American people to get their passports and 
see the world.
  The designation of September as ``National Passport Month'' will not 
only encourage the American people to avoid delays and get their 
passports early, but it will also acknowledge the positive impact of 
international travel in promoting understanding, tolerance, acceptance, 
and goodwill throughout the world.
  On September 5, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously 
agreed to an identical resolution introduced by Congresswoman Barbara 
Lee. It is my hope that this body will do the same. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 338) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 338

       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;
       Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad promotes 
     understanding and goodwill throughout the world, opening the 
     doors to increased peace, tolerance, and acceptance;

[[Page S12386]]

       Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad opens up a 
     wealth 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 Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Passport 
     Month; and
       (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, 
     schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, 
     and the people of the United States to observe National 
     Passport Month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and 
     activities.

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