Story perspectives

1,400 Libraries Face Passport Program Shutdown, Lawmakers Push Back

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. agency regulating passports has issued cease and desist orders to non-profit libraries, halting their participation in the Passport Acceptance Facility program.
About 1,400 libraries nationwide are affected, according to the American Library Association.
Lawmakers from several states urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend the program.
Bipartisan legislation has been proposed to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing non-profit libraries to continue offering these services.

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Story summary

The U.S. agency regulating passports has issued cease and desist orders to non-profit libraries, halting their participation in the Passport Acceptance Facility program.
About 1,400 libraries nationwide are affected, according to the American Library Association.
Lawmakers from several states urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend the program.
Bipartisan legislation has been proposed to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing non-profit libraries to continue offering these services.