Luttrell’s Improving Travel for Families Act Passes House

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) introduced the Improving Travel for Families Act, which would allow children ages ten and under who are not a member of Global Entry to go through the Global Entry lanes with their parent or legal guardian who has Global Entry membership. The legislation was passed yesterday in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. 
 
“I’m proud to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together to support my legislation to ease the burden of international travel for families. The Improving Travel for Families Act will provide more flexibility in Global Entry lanes and consolidate appointments for those with children seeking Global Entry. I look forward to it being passed in the Senate,” said Congressman Luttrell. 

“I applaud the House’s passage of Rep. Luttrell’s legislation, IMPROVING TRAVEL FOR FAMILIES ACT. This bill will improve international travel for families by allowing young children who are not currently enrolled in the Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program to accompany their parents, who are enrolled in the program, in the designated pre-cleared lanes upon arrival at an international airport in the United States. The current Global Entry process is far too burdensome for families with young children, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to help reduce the Global Entry interview appointment backlog and make it easier for families who have to travel internationally," said Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green.
 
Currently, children traveling with a parent or legal guardian who has Global Entry membership, such as toddlers and infants, cannot use the Global Entry lanes if they don’t have their own Global Entry membership. Additionally, at this time parents must schedule an individual Global Entry interview appointment for each child, creating a potential burden on families with multiple children. This legislation will allow for children to utilize Global Entry lines with their parents and for appointments to be consolidated for those seeking Global Entry for their children.