Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
Washington, D.C.– Today, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Jim Baird (IN-4) reintroduced the bipartisan Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act to eliminate passport book fees for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients.
The current cost for an adult to obtain their passport book for international travel is $130, and there is an additional $35 execution fee for first time applicants. The Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act would exempt recipients of the Purple Heart medal and the Medal of Honor from paying passport book fees, as a small token of gratitude for their incredible sacrifice and service to our nation.
“The costs of obtaining and renewing a passport should never be a burden for a veteran who has made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our country,” said Rep. Levin. “This bipartisan bill would remove this financial barrier and make it easier for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to obtain a passport. I thank Rep. Baird for his partnership on this bill and will continue working to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.”
“The fees required to obtain a passport can be expensive and the process can be entangled in bureaucratic red tape and delays,” said Congressman Baird. “As a recipient of two Purple Hearts, I am proud to join Congressman Levin in introducing this legislation to eliminate this burdensome cost for the men and women who have received Purple Hearts. This is an important step toward easing financial burdens and making travel more accessible for those who honorably served our country.”
“As the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we are undertaking this effort in support of our nation’s Purple Heart Veterans by eliminating the fees associated with passports and/or renewals for Purple Heart Veterans. We believe that this is a small yet meaningful step in showing our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and ensuring that they can enjoy the benefits of their hard-earned freedoms,” said Tracey Brown, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart is the military’s oldest medal and is awarded to those wounded or killed in combat. The Medal of Honor is the military’s highest decoration and is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Already included in exemptions from paying passport book fees are:
- Officers or employees of the U.S. proceeding abroad in discharge of official duties,
- American seamen who require a passport in connection with duties aboard an American flag-vessel,
- A widow, widower, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member or to attend such member’s funeral,
- An individual abroad returning to the U.S. when the Secretary of State determines that foregoing such a fee is justified for humanitarian or law enforcement purposes,
- Peace Corps volunteers,
- American Red Cross employees traveling to perform duties.
This bill would add Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to the above list.
The Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act has been endorsed by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Medal of Honor Museum, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, and The American Legion.
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