A New Jersey congressman is calling on the State Department to take immediate action on the massive passport backlog.

There is currently around an 18-week wait to renew or get a passport. Typically it takes 8-10 weeks. Officials say that the backlog is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is currently an estimated backlog of about 2 million applicants for passports and renewals,” says Rep. Josh Gottheimer. "This isn't just disrupting travel plans but hurting families in their pocketbooks when their original plans have to be suddenly canceled with steep fees and penalties and of course, damaging the travel industry and economic recovery that has had a rough enough year and a half."

Gottheimer is urging the State Department to expand in-person passport renewals to help alleviate the backlog.