Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today praised the Bush Administration decision to temporarily lift the passport requirement for people traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

     “This requirement, while understandable in its intent, was executed poorly and created a tremendous level of anxiety and for thousands of law-abiding citizens planning and hoping to get away for a little rest and relaxation,” Rep. Johnson said. “Government staffing levels were woefully inadequate to attempt to implement this requirement. As a result, my offices were flooded with calls for help from desperate travelers. I’m happy we are able to help many people but saddened that they had to put up with this kind of stress at all at a time when they’re anticipating long-awaited vacations.”

     The Bush Administration and the Department of Homeland Security today suspended the passport requirement until September. U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30.

     Acceptable proof of application is a print-out of the online status check accessed at http://travel.state.gov/passport, showing an application has been received by the Department of State.

     Passports are not required to go on a cruise or to travel by vehicle across the land border to Canada and Mexico. However, it is recommended U.S. travelers carry and present government-issued identification when requested. It is expected that in January, 2008, passports will be required as well for land travel.

     Rep. Johnson said constituents can always feel free to call his offices if there are further questions.

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