119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 7398
This bill would exempt Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients from paying passport fees. Currently, all U.S. citizens must pay fees to obtain or renew a passport, but this legislation would waive those fees specifically for military personnel and veterans who have received these two highest military awards. To implement the change, the bill requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to work together to establish documentation requirements and verification procedures, ensuring that only eligible recipients receive the fee exemption. The legislation does not establish new funding or specific timelines, instead directing the State Department's Consular Affairs office to coordinate with the Defense Department to verify award recipients through existing military records.