With wait for US passports snarling summer trips, Reed to discuss ways to help residents with process

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — “Don’t let passport delays ruin the overseas trip of a lifetime. Check your passport expiration date today and plan ahead.” That’s what Sen. Jack Reed is reminding Rhode Islanders to do after some were experiencing passport delays.

Reed cited U.S. State Department data that revealed post-pandemic processing times for a new passport are taking up to 13 weeks.

He said he’s working with some U.S. senators to make sure the State Department “implements systemic fixes” that will speed up the passport application process.

The State Department, said Reed, is hiring and reassigning more workers to help with the surge in passport requests. This year, the State Department expects to process 25 million passport applications.

Some countries require that a passport be valid at least six months before the dates of a trip.

At Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Reed on Tuesday will discuss ways to help residents with passport applications and renewals and what options they can pursue if they experience backup.