Despite claims of hiring more staff and authorizing overtime, the State Department is still behind in issuing passports. US Senator Bill Cassidy says his office has received numerous calls from Louisiana residents who’ve missed vacations despite applying in advance and paying extra fees to expedite the process.
“I’m looking into the issue, exploring solutions to prevent other Louisiana families from falling into the same situation,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy says his office in Baton Rouge has been successful in helping individuals with the passport process and he encourages Louisianans to contact his local office if they are having difficulty.
“And a message to our constituents if you need help call our office. Call it sooner, not later, and see if we can help you resolve this,” said Cassidy.
The State Department reportedly receives 400,000 applications a week and says the delays are a result of the pandemic and renewed interest in international travel. Cassidy says several families and individuals have been forced to forgo their travel because their passports did not arrive in time and the results are costly.
“Delays like this should not cost a family thousands of dollars due to a missed flight or a prepaid vacation they cannot go on,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy urges those with passport issues to call his office in Baton Rouge at 225-929-7711.
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