GovernmentExecutive.com

A travel industry trade group is urging the federal government to delay putting into effect new rules requiring Americans traveling from Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean to present passports to return to the United States, the New York Times reports. The group says the government hasn't done enough to publicize the new requirements, which are scheduled to begin go into effect in January. The State Department says hundreds of public meetings have been held on the issue and that passport applications have surged as a result. Besides, State and Homeland Security officials argue, it's Congress that mandated the change. But some senators already have voiced second thoughts.