This bill aims to improve the process of applying for and receiving U.S. passports. It requires the State Department to develop a plan to streamline communication between different passport offices and provide faster responses to inquiries from Congress and the public.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to improve the process of applying for and receiving U.S. passports. It requires the State Department to develop a plan to streamline communication between different passport offices and provide faster responses to inquiries from Congress and the public.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>The Federal Assistance for Streamlining Travel Passports Act or the FAST Passports Act</strong></p><p>This bill requires the Department of State to provide Congress with a strategy to improve the processing of passport applications. The strategy must aim to improve communication within the State Department, particularly among passport offices regarding passport applications. It must also seek to ensure that the State Department provides updates and responses to inquiries from congressional offices and the public within a reasonably short period of time.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires the State Department to create a strategy to improve communication and information sharing between its various passport offices.
Seeks to ensure the State Department provides timely updates and responses to questions from Congress and the general public about passport applications.
Focuses on making the passport application process more efficient and responsive to the needs of U.S. citizens.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to faster processing times and better customer service for Americans applying for or inquiring about U.S. passports. This would benefit anyone who needs to obtain or renew a passport, such as travelers, immigrants, and others who require this important identification document.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5700, 119th Congress (2025). "Break Free From Domestic Violence Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5700
