Congressman Howard Berman - Representing the 28th District of California

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groundbreaking for the 405 freeway northbound carpool lane

Congressman Berman speaks at the groundbreaking for the 405 freeway northbound carpool lane as Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa and California Governor Schwarzenegger look on. The groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work by Rep. Berman, who obtained significant federal funding for this project, which is critical to relieving congestion on the 405.

How can I help?

If you are a constituent of the 28th Congressional District of California, our office can assist you with matters involving Federal agencies. We also provide for visitors to Washington, DC, and can arrange to have a flag flown for you over the U.S. Capitol building.

GovBenefits.gov

If you are in need of government assistance, but are unsure where to go for information on how to apply, Govbenefits.gov may be the answer. It reduces the amount of research needed to take advantage of government benefits programs by providing information only on those programs most likely to benefit each individual.

Constituents complete a confidential questionnaire and Govebenefits.gov matches their request with the appropriate benefit programs, and provides application information. It contains a wide variety of information on such topics as Medicaid/Medicare, small business loans, scholarships, and disaster relief, to name a few.

New Travel Rules

Air TravelLand TravelSea Travel

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda are required to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Before these new rules went into effect, U.S. citizens only needed to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

AIR TRAVEL
As of January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda, by air, are required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
Now, as of June 1, 2009, the full requirements of the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" regarding land and sea travel are being implemented. U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda will be required to present one of the following travel documents:

  • U.S. Passport
    This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.
  • U.S. Passport Card
    This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.
  • Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
    Several states are issuing this driver's license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
  • Trusted Traveler Program Cards
    NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used at airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Document Rules for Special Groups:

  • Children
    U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization card or citizenship card.
  • Groups of Children
    Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
  • "Closed Loop" Cruises
    Travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same port do not have to comply with the new rules.
  • Other Special Groups
    Members of the military, members of the merchant marine, and Native Americans can also use special forms of identification.

ABOUT THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. The initiative requires all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. The countries covered by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

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Congressman Howard Berman
2221 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-4695 Fax: 202-225-3196
Hours: 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. EST, Mon-Fri
Congressman Howard Berman
14546 Hamlin Street, Suite 202
Van Nuys, CA 91411
Phone: 818-994-7200 Fax: 818-994-1050
Hours: 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. PST, Mon-Fri
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