Lawmakers press State Department for answers on passport delays that have scuttled summer travel plans
Fox News
EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers are ramping up the pressure on the Department of State to resolve a major backlog in processing passport applications that has left many U.S. travelers in limbo and in some cases forced Americans to cancel their long-planned vacations abroad.
The State Department told Fox News Wednesday that about 1.5 to 2 million passports applications are pending. The current wait time for a new or renewal passport is 12-18 weeks, but applicants can pay an additional $60 to rush the process. The wait time for the expedited applications is six to 12 weeks. Letter to Blinken Re Passports by Fox News on Scribd Despite efforts by the State Department to bring more passport staff back to the office following coronavirus restrictions, the lawmakers aren't convinced there's a plan to address the serious backlog and are demanding answers.More Related News