RELEASE: Led by Rep. Hill and Rep. Houlahan, over 200 Bipartisan Members of Congress Ask Secretary Blinken to Address Passport Backlogs
Washington,
July 23, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led a bipartisan letter, co-signed by more than 200 members of Congress, to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to implement policies to increase the timely issuance of passports. The members write, “Families are trying to reunite with loved ones, students are trying to study abroad, and businesses are trying to reconnect with customers and expand overseas market share. However, many of our constituents are facing long delays and canceled trips due to an inability at passport centers to receive, process, and deliver passports in a timely manner. Currently, routine service can take up to 18 weeks, while expedited service can take up to 12 weeks for an additional $60 fee.” The members continued by outlining the delays both constituents and staff members have faced calling the National Passport Information Center asking for updates on passport applications. The members concluded, “In response to these concerns, we urge you to pursue any and all available means to improve service to our constituents including, but not limited to, resolving delays caused by your service partners and accelerating your stated plans to increase staffing at passport offices, increase the number of available walk-in appointments, and increase capacity at call centers.” To read the full letter, click HERE. |
