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New passport requirements for US citizens
Travel Information for US citizens Federal Resource Guides
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GOAL   
ONE:
Deliver timely, high quality
constituent service.

While I am interested in the welfare of all our citizens, my primary responsibility to serve Idahoans makes their requests for assistance my priority.

My colleagues in the Senate have similar priorities. If you are not an Idahoan, and you need help with a federal agency, I hope you will give your Senators the opportunity to serve you.

[Mission & Goals]

Resolving problems for Idahoans

From my very first day in Congress, Idahoans have been asking for help with problems they have with the federal government and its agencies, and they have been getting that help.

Increasingly, citizens can help themselves by accessing the tools and resources many agencies provide online. My Agency Assistant offers guidance to some of these online resources, and briefly describes how to resolve the most common problems. While your problem may seem far from "common," if you need help with a federal agency, I encourage you to start with the Agency Assistant.

Unfortunately, there are still issues which many are simply unable to solve without assistance. In these cases, I can help make sure you are treated fairly and given every consideration within the law.

The specialists on my staff are trained, competent, dedicated, and authorized to act in my name in dealing with federal agencies. Call or stop by my nearest regional office to discuss your problem with a casework specialist confidentially. Be sure to have any information or related documents with you when you do so. A signed Privacy Release Form will be required and is described below.

If you have encountered a judicial or court matter, I cannot assist you. The judicial branch of government does not fall under my jurisdiction as a U.S. Senator, and I encourage you to seek private legal counsel to advise you in these matters.

Privacy Release Form PDF, 1.1MB
click to download

Instructions:

If you need assistance with a federal agency, please complete and sign a Privacy Release form.

Click the link at left to download and open the form in your computer's browser. The online version of the Privacy Release may be completed by typing information directly into the form fields. If you choose to print a blank form and complete it by hand, be sure to print clearly.

Your signature on this form authorizes me, as your Senator, to contact the proper officials on your behalf, to discuss the matter and receive any information pertinent to you and your concerns.

Because your signature is required on this form, it may not be emailed or submitted online. Please return your signed form to my nearest regional office in Idaho, either by mail, fax, or in person.

If you have any questions or would like help completing this form, call or stop by during regular business hours and a casework specialist will be happy to assist you.

The Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579) prohibits federal and state government agencies from releasing any information or discussing anything regarding another individual without the individual's written permission.

New passport requirements for U.S. Citizens



Beginning January 23, 2007 the U.S. Department of State implemented new passport travel requirements for travelers entering the United States—including U.S. citizens. The second phase of the new travel requirements will require U.S. citizens traveling to Canada and Mexico by land and sea to carry passports.

If you are contacting my office to get help obtaining a passport, please fill out a privacy release form.

I strongly encourage Idahoans who plan to take a trip out of the country to obtain a passport a minimum of four months prior to travel. Learn more below about Travel Information for US Citizens.

If you need to travel immediately (or within the next month), or if you have any questions regarding passport issues, please contact my nearest regional office.

Travel Information for US Citizens

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or depart the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. The travel document requirements make up the departments of State and Homeland Security's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This change in travel document requirements is the result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which Congress subsequently passed into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

This travel initiative is being implemented in two phases. The first phase will be for air travel, and the second for land/sea travel.

Complete information may be found on the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website:http://travel.state.gov/

Air Travel

Implemented on January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

Land and Sea Travel

The following summarizes information available from the Department of Homeland Security:

January 31, 2008

US citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. children at that time.

Later...

At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

U.S. passport and other travel documents

Please note:
The passport requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.

The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. Cards are expected to be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

Other Accepted Travel Documents: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST and the U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders are exempt from the passport requirement. DHS has more information on these travel documents. This information may be seen at www.dhs.gov.

More information:
US Department of Homeland Security

Presenting Insufficient Documentation:

For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will likely be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary screening, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases.

For foreign nationals, a determination will be made at that time whether to admit the individual or not. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.

In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation if their passports have been lost or stolen.

Federal Resource Guides

I requested several of the Guides provided here from the Congressional Research Service so that Idahoans could have access to accurate and current information about federal online resources. CRS is a division of the Library of Congress that conducts nonpartisan research exclusively for the use of Senators, Representatives, and their staffs.

Federal Resources for Rural Communities Federal Resources for Rural Communities

A brief guide to over $10 billion in potential funding targeted to rural areas, through grants and loans.

Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance

Offers guidance and Internet resources on Federal grants and nonfinancial assistance, as well as on private foundation funding. A slide show provides tips, reviews key funding sources, and demonstrates how a typical grants request is submitted.

en español: Subvenciones y Ayuda Federal de Ámbito Nacional
Financial Aid for Students Financial Aid for Students

Links and helpful hints to assist students in all stages of the financial aid process, from locating and applying for various types of assistance, to repaying student loans.

Business Opportunities with the Federal Government Business Opportunities with the Federal Government

Information for those interested in government contracts. Links to information on military contracting, as well as various subcontracting opportunities are featured.