Originally Posted by
tadive
Ok, that makes more sense...but, I hate to break it to you...you are in the same boat. It's no longer a quick process to get new passport pages added if you sent it in through regular channels. It's still taking 11-12 or more weeks. The passport agency says they are treating all passport applications the same--new, renewal, extra pages. That's all I sent mine in for and the waiting has caused quite a bit of anxiety.
The thrust of my message was that in the future I am not going to be paying any expedite or Fed Ex fees to the State Dept. I am going to be paying the minimum fees, AND then I will simply call my Congressman (or Senator) to get my passport expedited for free within 2 weeks of travel if the passport is not returned. I will not be calling any 800 number that doesn't work. I will be calling the 7-digit number of my Congressman's office that is promptly answered.
Despite all the criticism of politicians, I think we have identified an area where politicians work very well...assistance with government agencies. Excellent service and responsiveness. Forget about writing Congressmen about the war, social security, or immigration. Use them for something where they can make a real difference in your life....like getting your passport.