State Department Layoffs Jeopardize Passport Services | JQJO

The State Department eliminated the Office of Planning and Program Support (PPS) within the Bureau of Consular Affairs, resulting in nearly 25 layoffs. PPS, described as the "nerve center" for passport operations, handled budget, contracts, and strategic planning. Despite assurances from senior leaders that their jobs were safe, employees received RIF notices. The layoffs, part of a larger 1,350-person reduction, sparked concern over potential passport processing delays and violated a collective bargaining agreement. The department also eliminated the Office of Casualty Assistance, leaving it without experienced officers during a critical repatriation.