Bill seeks to cut passport backlog

Travelers could find relief from a three-month wait for their passports if Congress passes a bill allowing the State Department to hire retired personnel.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), is expected to go before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. It would allow retired foreign service employees who processed passports to return to work without forfeiting retirement benefits, and eliminate a cap on the number of employees the department can hire.