Lee Wentz - Federal News Network

Lee Wentz

FILE - This May 25, 2021 file photo shows a U.S. Passport cover in Washington. The United States has issued its first passport with an “X” gender designation, a milestone in the recognition of the rights of people who don't identify as male or female. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman)

Fed up with the State Department’s passport delays? So are its employees

The State Department is on track to issue a record-breaking number of passports this year, but is still dealing with a major backlog of applications and…

Federal Report

Scotland national Paul Mcque wears Hamilton socks in the entrance plaza of the Santurce Fine Arts Center moments before the premiere of the award-winning Broadway musical, Hamilton, starring its creator, New York native of Puerto Rican descent Lin-Manuel Miranda, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday Jan. 11, 2019. The musical is set to run for two weeks and will raise money for local arts programs. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

All dressed up and somewhere to go: back to the office

Federal Report

(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RandyHarris)

Passport services union presses State Dept. for more leave flexibility amid COVID-19 outbreaks

Workforce

FILE - This May 25, 2021, file photo shows a U.S. Passport cover in Washington. Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports. The State Department said Wednesday that the wait for a passport is now between 12 weeks and 18 weeks, even if you pay for expedited processing. That’s because of ripple effects from the coronavirus pandemic that caused extreme disruptions to the process at domestic issuance facilities and overseas embassies and consulates. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman, File)

State Dept. staffing surge won’t address passport backlog overnight, union warns

Hiring/Retention