I’m quite certain that they are very happy with the backlog. I just applied for my passport on Monday, and at the time of application, you have an opportunity to pay $60 extra to expedite your application. You are also encouraged to pay overnight delivery in each direction. If they can convince everyone that there’s so much uncertainty about when the passport will arrive unless you pay the extra fee, then nearly everyone will pay the extra $60, as I did.
If they get 1,000,000 people to pay the extra $60, they can have a big pizza party at State. If they get 10,000,000 people to pay the extra $60, well...you get the point. That’s why she’s being promoted - she has been VERY good for the bottom line.
There is legislation to get your $60 refunded
Bingo! We have a winnah!