Passport Info: No Charge

THE DAILY FED

Passport Info: No Charge

Ackerman and several other members of Congress argue that passport information should be available for free. Earlier this year Rep. Jim Saxton, R-N.J., introduced a bill requiring the State Department to set up a free customer service line for passport information.

Ackerman says calling the 900 number (900-225-5674) costs $1.05 a minute to talk to an operator or 35 cents a minute to use automated service, according to the Associated Press.

State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said the system is necessary because passport offices around the country do not have enough people to handle the volume of inquiries about obtaining passports.

Ackerman's amendment passed as part of the State Department's appropriations bill. The Senate still must act on the bill.