The State Department is taking action to tackle the overwhelming demand for U.S. passport processing by expanding its call-center hours on weekends. As concerns arise about staffing levels, at least one U.S. senator recommends additional measures. According to a Department official, the call-center service will now be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. To further support applicants, the National Passport Information Center has tripled its phone lines, and the Department is actively recruiting and training more personnel to efficiently handle the significant influx of calls.
