WASHINGTON — Representative Burgess Owens (UT-04) released the following statement in support of the State Department’s announcement of a new U.S. passport agency in Salt Lake City.

“The Utah way sometimes involves leaving Utah for work, recreation, and service abroad, requiring timely and efficient passport services that residents can count on when making travel plans,” said Rep. Owens. “I am thrilled that Salt Lake City will soon be home to a new U.S. passport agency, which will reduce wait times and eliminate the need to travel for in-person passport services. I am incredibly proud of the Utah delegation’s efforts in securing this monumental win for Utahns and the entire Mountain West region.”

Background:

• Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 required the State Department to conduct a thorough review of areas in the country with both high demand for passport services and no in-person access and to further develop a strategy for increasing accessibility for large population centers.
• In April 2023, Rep. Owens joined the entire Utah delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Department to select Salt Lake City as the location for a new passport office.
• The new passport office in Salt Lake City will offer a range of services, including the ability to process urgent passport applications, conduct in-person interviews, and assist with emergency travel needs. This new facility will significantly reduce the burden on Utah residents seeking passport services and enhance the overall efficiency of the passport processing system.

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