Nice to know about calling our state rep.
My son discovered his passport was expired the evening before his trip to Mexico for a bachelor party. He was able to make an appt at the passport office in Philly. He lives in NYC.
The next morning, he took an early train to Philly, had a 30 minute delay midway because someone was walking on the tracks and arrived at the passport office late for his appt.
He spoke to the counter person, explained his situation and said his flight was to leave in 2 hours from Philly. There were lots of people sitting waiting. Just as he was going to sit down, his name was called, he submitted all his documents, and he was out of the office with a brand new passport in 35 minutes.
I am sure he had to pay dearly for a change in ticket but he learned a lesson.