Turning to your congressman for help

If you've submitted a passport application, and you have not received it during the maximum time indicated by the US Passport Office, I highly recommend contacting your Congressman.

I found myself without a passport twelve weeks after submitting my paperwork at the local county clerk of courts office. I had though that expedited service would be unneccessary since I had prepared so far in advance of my need for a passport, but I was wrong, very wrong.

A fax to my congressman's office, and a few information exchanges via e-mail later, and I had my brand new passport in my hands less than a week after initial contact. As you can see from the Washington Times article below, other people have had to go the same route:

I was fortunate enough to have the help of my congressman Ric Keller, District 8, Florida. His staff has truly embraced the information age, as my queries were handled efficiently via fax/voice/e-mail. This is in stark contrast to the passport office, where after being on hold for a representative, I got a message indicating that "because of massive call volume, no one could help me." No option to wait, just told, in pleasant terms that I was out of luck.

Passport seekers inundate office - Washington Post