Smucker Supports Bipartisan Bill to Protect Library Passport Services

WASHINGTON—Rep. Smucker (PA-11) has joined his fellow Pennsylvania colleagues in the introduction of the Community Passport Services Access Act, H.R. 6997, legislation to ensure non-profit libraries can continue to operate as passport acceptance agencies. The bill would allow qualifying nonprofit public libraries to collect and retain passport execution fees that support their operations.

“Libraries are more than just gateways to lifelong learning in our community. I am pleased to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in a bipartisan effort to ensure that libraries can remain passport acceptance agencies and will advocate for this bill’s swift consideration and passage,” said Rep. Smucker. “I want to thank the library directors, board members, local elected officials, and community members who shared their concerns with me about the impact of this decision. Their input was invaluable as the Pennsylvania Delegation worked together to address this issue.”

In Pennsylvania, many public libraries are organized as independent non-profit organizations who are not directly affiliated with government entities, although many libraries receive financial assistance from municipalities.

In late 2025, the State Department notified nonprofit libraries that federal regulations may no longer allow them to serve as passport acceptance facilities. Many libraries rely on passport processing fees to fund core services and community programs.

The legislation was introduced with the support of 6 members of Pennsylvania’s delegation in addition to Rep. Smucker, including: Reps. Joyce (PA-13), Dean (PA-04), Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Houlihan (PA-06), Bresnahan (PA-08), and Scanlon (PA-05).  

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