WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said today that East Alabama travelers should continue to expect significant passport processing delays despite new State Department rules announced yesterday. 

Rogers said the new rules, which apply only to Western Hemisphere travel for citizens with pending passport applications, should be reviewed carefully by all travelers abroad. The guidelines are available at travel.state.gov.

“Unfortunately, most folks planning on traveling outside the country are already well aware of these delays,” Rogers said. “The new guidelines announced yesterday should help some travelers, but not all. It’s important folks carefully review the rules to double check whether or not they apply to their particular travel plans. My office, as always, will continue to do everything it can to help.”

Rogers said new guidelines implemented this year by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help strengthen border security, as well as a large increase in the number of passport applications nationwide, have added to the backlog at the State Department.

Rogers said Alabamians interested in traveling abroad but who have not yet applied for a passport should allow up to five months for standard processing due to high demand for passports. Citizens needing a passport in less than five months must pay a fee to expedite the process.

This week, Rogers co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressing serious concerns about the delays.

“We believe you will agree that the current situation is unacceptable and respectfully request that you take immediate action to remedy the situation,” the letter wrote.

Rogers serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Agriculture, and serves as Ranking Member on the Oversight subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee.

                                                                           - ### -