Kathy Manning: “My amendment, amendment No. 5, seeks to draw attention to the need to resolve the significant delays in passport…”

“My amendment, amendment No. 5, seeks to draw attention to the need to resolve the significant delays in passport services at the Department of State. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on international travel. According to the Department of State's Passport Services, Americans who submit new passport applications today may not receive their new passports for another 18 weeks, well into the fall. Even customers who pay an additional fee for expedited service may not receive their passports for another 12 weeks. In response, the State Department's Passport Services recommends Americans planning to travel internationally apply for a passport at least 6 months in advance. These delays are simply unacceptable. In North Carolina's Sixth Congressional District, my constituents have been unable to travel to visit family, to seek important medical care, and to conduct important business meetings. It is essential that Congress send the message loud and clear. We must have better service on passports. We need to address passport delays so that Americans can get their passports in a timely manner.”