I was able to speak with a representative at the National Passport Information Center (877-487-2778) a few minutes ago. I explained my situation and was told that the USPS is currently having “issues” forwarding passport applications to the facility where the actual passport is made and that I should wait at least a month and a half before reporting the passport as “lost” and initiating a new application.

She also said I should monitor my bank account to see if the check is cashed. Something I've already been doing.

Tomorrow is one month from the date I put the thing in the mail. Six weeks will be March 18. I’m going to be patient until March 25, at which point two U.S. Senators, a U.S. Representative, the Secretary of State and the Postmaster General will all be getting letters they don't want to read.

On second though, it might be better to email them if I want to get the message through before they die.