One Good Item in the Bill
Those living along the Canadian and Mexican border know that a valid passport will soon be required to return to the United States instead of just your drivers license and a birth certificate. I found the following buried deep within the last minute “managers amendment.”
“Passport Cards.–
(1) AUTHORITY TO ISSUE.–In order to facilitate travel of United States citizens to
Canada, Mexico, the countries located in the Caribbean, and Bermuda, the Secretary of
State, in consultation with the Secretary, is authorized to develop a travel document
known as a Passport Card.
(2) ISSUANCE.–In accordance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative carried
out pursuant to section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 (Public Law 108-458; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note), the Secretary of State, in consultation
with the Secretary, shall be authorized to issue to a citizen of the United States who
submits an application in accordance with paragraph (5) a travel document that will
serve as a Passport Card.
(3) APPLICABILITY.–A Passport Card shall be deemed to be a United States
passport for the purpose of United States laws and regulations relating to United States
passports.
(4) VALIDITY.–A Passport Card shall be valid for the same period as a United States
passport.
(5) LIMITATION ON USE.–A Passport Card may only be used for the purpose ofinternational travel by United States citizens through land and sea ports of entry
between–
(A) the United States and Canada;
(B) the United States and Mexico; and
( C) the United States and a country located in the Caribbean or Bermuda.”
— Oak Leaf