7 to 9 weeks in the same time frame. (5) In July 2023, the Department of State indicated it was working to return processing times to pre-pandemic levels, which as of December 2019 were 6 to 8 weeks for routine applications and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited applications, by the end of the calendar year. However, the published processing times have not decreased as of September 2023. (6) The passports backlog and lengthier, unpredictable processing times has significantly impacted United States citizens. The delays have caused United States citizens to miss international travel for important events such as weddings, funerals, family reunions, and long-awaited vacations, and opportunities to work and study abroad. The backlogs have also imposed undue stress and additional costs on constituents, with unpredictable timelines forcing United States citizens to cancel and reschedule travel, pay for expedited services, or miss out on once-in-a-lifetime events. A disproportionate percentage of constituent service caseloads now focus on passport issues. (7) Congressional action is needed to ensure continued improvements in passport processing times and communication with United States citizens on these matters. 3. Plan to expand and codify pilot program to provide notification of expiration of passports (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) updates Congress on the progress in implementing the pilot program described on the travel.state.gov website to notify United States passport holders 6 months before their passports are set to expire