I am gifting this Washington Post article about the new passport renewal situation.
Apparently, it is now fixed, and passport renewals are back to normal, pre covid.
Covid disrupted everything and then there was an unprecedented level pf applications.
The State Department hired more staff and updated technology.
with routine services taking between six and eight weeks and expedited services two to three weeks for a $60 fee.
This tracks with my recent experience of applying for renewal with expedited services the day before Thanksgiving and receiving my passport 2 weeks later.
Good Job!