Regarding Americans and passports this is the latest:

U.S. reveals plans for high-tech card pass card

WASHINGTON (CP) - The United States has released plans for a wallet-sized pass card that Americans could use instead of a passport to enter the country.

The card will cost US$10 for children and US$20 for adults, plus a US$25 execution fee.

Radio frequency identification technology to be read by machines at border crossings would link the card to a secure U.S. government database containing biographical data and a photograph, the State Department says.

There would be no personal information on the card itself.

Canada is still waiting to hear what alternatives to passports will be acceptable from Canadians.

Congress has delayed the deadline requiring a passport or another secure ID document at U.S. land crossings until June 2009.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2006/10/17/2050945-cp.html