Rubio and Scott tell Biden administration ‘unacceptable passport delays’ must be resolved

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – Florida Republican Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott were joined by other lawmakers in urging the Biden administration to address “unacceptable passport delays,” pointing to a “massive backlog” of passport applications.

Reports have circulated of Americans having issues with obtaining their passports.

In the letter, lawmakers told U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that as summer travel season begins, the backlog is “unacceptable.”

They noted a “massive increase” in passport-related inquiries from constituents.

“These backlogs have resulted in many American families being forced to cancel their travel plans because of increased wait times, a lack of available in-person appointments and an inability to communicate with passport agencies,” they said.

“Furthermore, the delay many Americans are experiencing in receiving their passport could potentially be detrimental to their livelihood.”

They asked Blinken what measures the federal government is taking to decrease waiting times, how they plan to resolve “communication issues,” along with any permanent solutions to avoid future backlogs.

“Families across the nation are dependent on a quick and efficient solution to the many issues and delays the Passport Agencies are experiencing,” they wrote. “We look forward to hearing your solutions to this ongoing issue.”

In a press release, Scott’s office said the delays and lack of available appointments represent “an unacceptable failure from a government that should be focused on serving American taxpayers and their needs.”