A bipartisan bill was recently reintroduced to eliminate passport book fees for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients.
The Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act, reintroduced by Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Baird and Democratic Rep. Mike Levin of California, aims to amend the Passport Act of 1920 to exempt veterans from paying passport book fees. Legislation to waive passport fees for Purple Heart recipients was first introduced in 2020 by Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Tim Ryan introduced the “Passports for Purple Hearts Act.”
The current cost for an adult to obtain their passport book for international travel is $130, and there is an additional $35 execution fee for first-time applicants.
“The costs of obtaining and renewing a passport should never be a burden for a veteran who has made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our country,” said Levin. “This bipartisan bill would remove this financial barrier and make it easier for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to obtain a passport. I thank Rep. Baird for his partnership on this bill and will continue working to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.”
Originally created as the "Badge of Military Merit" by General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, the Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is estimated that more than 1.9 million Purple Hearts have been awarded to service members, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Tracey Brown, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said the proposed bill is a meaningful step to show appreciation for veterans.
“As the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we are undertaking this effort in support of our nation's Purple Heart Veterans by eliminating the fees associated with passports and/or renewals for Purple Heart Veterans,” said Brown. “We believe that this is a small yet meaningful step in showing our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and ensuring that they can enjoy the benefits of their hard-earned freedoms.”
Currently, those exempted from paying passport book fees are:
•Officers or employees of the U.S. proceeding abroad in discharge of official duties
•American seamen who require a passport in connection with duties aboard an American-flag vessel
•A widow, widower, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member or to attend such member’s funeral
•An individual abroad returning to the U.S. when the Secretary of State determines that foregoing such a fee is justified for humanitarian or law enforcement purposes
•Peace Corps volunteers
•American Red Cross employees traveling to perform duties
If approved, the bill, which was formally filed as H.R. 7398 in the 119th Congress, would add Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to the list.
The Medal of Honor, founded in 1861, is the highest U.S. military decoration given to Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, according to the U.S. Department of War.
According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Medal of Honor has been awarded 3,547 times.
“The fees required to obtain a passport can be expensive and the process can be entangled in bureaucratic red tape and delays,” said Baird. “As a recipient of two Purple Hearts, I am proud to join Congressman Levin in introducing this legislation to eliminate this burdensome cost for the men and women who have received Purple Hearts. This is an important step toward easing financial burdens and making travel more accessible for those who honorably served our country.”
The Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act has been endorsed by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Medal of Honor Museum, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans and The American Legion.