Dr. Joyce's Statement on Language to Restore Non-Profit Public Library Passport Services in FY27 Appropriations Legislation

May 8, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Last week, the House Committee on Appropriations advanced the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027 , which includes legislative language championed by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) to restore non-profit public library passport services through the 2027 Fiscal Year. “I thank Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart for his leadership to ensure that non-profit libraries will be able to provide passport services to our communities once again,” said Congressman Joyce. “This temporary fix will afford us time to pursue a permanent solution and allow our rural libraries access to an essential revenue stream so that they can continue to serve our communities. As this legislation moves to the House floor, I look forward to supporting the preservation of this program, and I remain committed to securing a long-term solution to preserve passport services at non-profit public libraries nationwide.” On background: Earlier this year, Congressman Joyce introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6997 , the Community Passport Services Access Act, to permanently allow 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities. H.R. 6997 was introduced after the U.S. Department of State determined that existing federal law does not explicitly permit non-profit public libraries to collect and retain passport execution fees, despite longstanding practice. Libraries, especially in rural areas, rely on their role as passport acceptance facilities as a vital source of revenue that helps keep their doors open and sustain operations. These services are also critical for maintaining local access to passport processing, ensuring that residents in underserved communities are not forced to travel long distances. ### Issues : Congress