4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Apr 27, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being referred in the Senate, including updated attestation information. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

H.R. 6903119th CongressIntroduced Dec 18, 2025

Ensuring Children Receive Support Act

Passed HouseFamiliesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24]
Committees: Finance Committee (primary)
Last action: Apr 28, 2026

Bottom line

This bill shifts passport revocation for significant child support debt from discretionary to mandatory, aiming to strengthen enforcement of child support obligations.

What it actually does

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to revoke any United States passport issued to an individual upon receiving certification from the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the individual has a child support arrearage exceeding $2,500. It removes the Secretary of State's current discretion to restrict or limit passports in such cases, making revocation a mandatory action. An exception is provided for issuing temporary passports for emergency returns to the United States.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill strengthens child support enforcement by removing discretion and making passport revocation a guaranteed consequence for individuals with substantial arrearages. This measure is intended to incentivize delinquent parents to fulfill their financial responsibilities, ensuring that children receive the support they are legally owed and potentially reducing the burden on public assistance programs.

Opponents contend

Opponents might contend that mandatory revocation could disproportionately affect individuals who travel for work or family emergencies, potentially hindering their ability to earn income to pay off their debt or address critical personal situations. Critics could also argue that removing discretion prevents a nuanced approach, where individual circumstances might warrant a restriction or limitation rather than an outright revocation.

The bill text is very short and can be read in under two minutes, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding.

Section 2(a)

Mandatory Passport Revocation for Child Support Arrearages

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends existing law (42 U.S.C. 652(k)) to remove the Secretary of State's discretion regarding passport actions for individuals with child support arrearages over $2,500. Previously, the Secretary *may* revoke, restrict, or limit a passport; this bill changes it to *shall* revoke. It also requires notification of intent to revoke. The aim is to make passport revocation a mandatory consequence for significant child support debt.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupIndividuals with child support arrearages exceeding $2,500ImpactLoss of passport, restricting international travelMechanismMandatory revocation by Secretary of State upon HHS certificationScalePotentially thousands of individuals nationwide

GroupChildren owed supportImpactIncreased likelihood of receiving owed financial supportMechanismEnhanced enforcement mechanism incentivizing paymentScalePositive impact on children's welfare

GroupDepartment of StateImpactReduced discretion, increased administrative burden for mandatory revocationsMechanismStatutory change in authorityScaleModerate administrative impact

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that making passport revocation mandatory ensures consistent and rigorous enforcement of child support laws, providing a stronger incentive for delinquent parents to meet their obligations. This reduces the ability of individuals to evade responsibilities by traveling internationally.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that removing discretion could lead to overly harsh outcomes in cases where individuals are genuinely trying to pay but face temporary financial hardship, or where travel is essential for employment that could help them pay down debt. They may also argue that a blanket mandatory rule does not allow for individual circumstances.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the goal of stronger child support enforcement with concerns about individual liberty and the potential for unintended consequences for those who might use international travel for legitimate purposes, including earning income to pay their debts.

Section 2(b)

Emergency Temporary Passport for Return to U.S.

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This subsection creates an exception to the mandatory revocation. If an individual whose passport has been revoked is abroad and needs to return to the United States on an emergency basis, the Department of State is authorized to issue a temporary passport specifically for that purpose. This temporary passport will be limited in duration and valid only for the return journey.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.