Committee backs passport revocation for serious child‑support delinquents in bipartisan vote

The House Ways and Means Committee reported HR 6903, the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act, which would modify Title IV‑D of the Social Security Act to require the State Department to revoke passports of noncustodial parents who owe at least $2,500 in past‑due child support, subject to emergency exceptions.

Representative Van Dyne, the bill's sponsor, said the measure codifies existing passport‑denial enforcement and would strengthen collection tools used by state child‑support agencies. "If an individual is abroad when their passport is revoked, the State Department may make an exception on an emergency basis to allow the individual to return to the United States," she said, noting the bill also preserves emergency release procedures.

Ranking Member Neal yielded to Representative Panetta, who said the policy responds to a long‑standing enforcement gap: "If you aren't paying for your child's basic needs, you shouldn't be paying to travel abroad." Committee staff explained the substitute sets an effective date of Oct. 1, 2026, and does not change existing state appeal or customer‑service processes; staff also said about 3,000 emergency releases were issued last year.

Members debated whether the bill removes necessary discretion and could disproportionately affect low‑income parents; Rep. Davis warned that mandating revocation removes judgment and "promises to impose hardship on many and to create large implementation challenges." Despite objections, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HR 6903 as amended. The clerk announced the tally: 40 yes, 2 no; the bill was ordered favorably reported to the House.