A controversial measure that would have allowed the secretary of state to revoke U.S. passports over alleged terrorism support has been withdrawn.
Representative Brian Mast of Florida removed the provision from a State Department reform bill after strong criticism from civil liberties advocates. The original language would have granted Secretary of State Marco Rubio authority to deny or revoke passports of U.S. citizens accused of providing “material support” to terrorist organizations. Critics warned the policy risked targeting pro-Palestinian activists and expanding surveillance programs against American citizens.
Mast initially defended the overall legislation as a way to make the State Department more accountable to presidential foreign policy priorities. However, he reversed course, saying the controversial amendment should not overshadow broader bipartisan reforms. The bill package still contains proposals such as creating a “state sponsor of unlawful or wrongful detention” designation to penalize foreign governments that detain U.S. nationals.
The amendment’s removal must be approved in a committee hearing, and the larger reform package faces an uncertain path in the Senate.
