Bilirakis Calls Red Tape Surrounding Passport Delays 'Ridiculous'

Americans around the country have faced delays with their passports as they have been at the mercy of the bureaucratic process. In response to this, Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Passport Modernization Act, which looks to instantly improve the proceedings surrounding applying for a passport.

Rep. Bilirakis believes that his bill would “immediately bring wait times down by requiring the hiring of new staff, modernization of the entire system, and setting an appropriate standard of service for compliance with timely responses.”

According to the Florida Congressman’s press release, despite going through the processes to see improvements in the current passport process such as oversight hearings and bipartisan letters to the Biden administration, Americans are still experiencing unprecedented delays.

“Hundreds of my constituents have contacted my office this year seeking help with getting a passport or having one renewed. The red tape is ridiculous, and it’s simply taking far too long to get the paperwork processed,” said Rep. Bilirakis.

He would go on to mention that he will “not rest until the issue is fixed.”

“Due to the State Department’s ineptness in performing this basic government service within the promised timeframes has caused many Americans to miss pre-planned vacations, weddings, and even the death of loved ones. Passport delays have cost time, money and an immeasurable amount of stress. I will not rest until this issue is fixed!” concluded Bilirakis.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).

Moreover, Bilirakis recently blasted the Biden administration for its $24 billion request for the Ukraine war effort, calling it “tone deaf” and “out-of-touch.”

“Once again, President Biden’s America-last approach to governing is completely tone-deaf and out-of-touch with the harsh economic realities facing American families,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

He would further state that there has been a “lack of transparency” regarding the funding that has been sent to the Ukrainians.

“We cannot keep fueling inflation by spending money we don’t have to fund an endless war in Europe while ignoring national security threats here at home. There has been a complete and utter lack of transparency and accountability for the billions of American tax dollars, supplies and equipment that have already been sent to Ukraine,” stated Rep. Bilirakis. “There is also no clear plan for establishing what constitutes a successful resolution to this conflict. As far as I’m concerned, the answer to the President’s most recent request is an emphatic and unwavering no!”

Republicans control the House of Representatives.