The "operational issues" are in addition to major passport staffing shortages due to the pandemic. More than 150 passport processing employees are returning to 21 agencies across the country, according to the State Department. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe State Department said wait times for regular passports are 12 to 18 weeks. Lankford claims the processing time is up to 24 weeks. A congressional aide says the State Department has cited 18 to 24 weeks in phone briefings to Congress.

Source: Fox News July 19, 2021 17:15 UTC