Passport Services

(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RandyHarris)State Dept passport

Drop in international travel during pandemic jeopardized State Dept passport revenue

The pandemic squashed international travel and that cut the State Department’s passport and visa revenues by more than 41%. The fees basically fund the…

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Gary Somerset

What GPO has in common with Vera Bradley, Briggs and Stratton

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(Amelia Brust/Federal News Network)

This State Department IT project started in 2009 and it’s nowhere near finished

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(AP Photo/Eileen Putman)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)

State Dept expects long-awaited online passport renewal system to launch by fall 2022

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(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)FILE  - This Aug. 10, 2006, file photo shows the sign used as the backdrop for press briefings at the U.S. Department of State in Washington. More of the first volunteers are starting to trickle back to their desks at federal agencies in the coronavirus lockdown. In the third month after Americans began sheltering in place and worksites began closing, the Energy Department says the first voluntary returns of a small number of headquarters workers began Monday. The State Department and Agriculture Department also have some workers returning to job places this month. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak. File)

IG links State Dept. staffing issues to delays in decade-long IT modernization project

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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RandyHarris)State Dept passport

State Dept. IT modernization delays leave passport services staff unable to telework

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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RandyHarris)State Dept passport

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

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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. Would-be travelers are overwhelming federal offices as the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions unleashes a pent-up demand for passports. Wait times for new passports and renewals are now up to 18 weeks and those seeking expedited appointments can take up to 12 weeks. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman, File)

USPS sees steep decline in revenue due to lack of passport applications during pandemic

In today’s Federal Newscast, the Postal Service saw a more than 30% decrease in passport applications last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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

Lawmakers are pressing the State Department to move more aggressively to address a backlog of as many as 2 million pending passport applications.

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Lockheed Martin F-35A Lighting II

Crackdown in the works against acquisition fraud and misconduct

In today’s Federal Newscast, Air Force contracting officials and law enforcement have agreed to crackdown on acquisition fraud. The State Department is under fire for its backlog of passport applications.

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