I would send them in - although it's a crap shoot as to which processing center they would be sent to, it does seem that processing times at many locations is dropping, with several reports here of it taking only 3 or 4 weeks which is better than pre-COVID for many locations. And, as you said, you can get your congresscri-, um, congressperson's office involved if it seems to be going south. Just remember to pay for expedited mailing of the applications TO the State Dept at the time of application. You can add expedited processing later on if you like.