Reject H.R. 5300’s Threat to Americans’ Right to Travel

I am writing to strongly oppose the provision in H.R. 5300, the Department of State Policy Provisions Act, that would grant the Secretary of State the power to revoke or deny passports without judicial oversight. This measure poses serious risks to civil liberties, due process, and the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens. A passport is not simply a travel document; it is a core proof of citizenship and an essential tool for exercising freedom of movement. Revoking or denying passports through an administrative process, without independent judicial review, would create a precedent where a fundamental right can be stripped away based on executive determination alone. Such unchecked authority risks overreach, abuse, and the erosion of constitutional safeguards. The bill’s reliance on broadly defined terms such as “material support” raises additional concerns. Courts have recognized that vague standards in this context can chill free expression, association, and political activity. Allowing the Department of State to make unilateral determinations under these ambiguous criteria could place activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens at risk of losing their ability to travel, work abroad, or even return home. Passport revocation has historically been reserved for exceptional cases with clear statutory and judicial frameworks, such as certain felony convictions or tax delinquency. Expanding this power into a discretionary tool for the executive branch would undermine the balance of powers and invite political misuse. Rather than empowering administrative agencies to bypass due process, Congress should strengthen judicial oversight and ensure that any passport restrictions are applied narrowly, with transparency and accountability. Security concerns can and should be addressed without compromising the fundamental rights of American citizens. For these reasons, I urge you to reject any provision in H.R. 5300 that allows the Secretary of State to revoke or deny passports without due process and independent review.