The U.S. Department of State issued a statement yesterday regarding the continuing technical problem that is causing delays in both passport and visa issuance. 

Although they are working on the problem, which was first reported July 28, it apparently is more wide-spread than originally thought.

Please understand that if you choose to travel and apply for a visa, the issuance may be delayed. Unless you have a valid visa in your passport, in most cases you cannot re-enter the U.S. after foreign travel.

If you have discretion about your travel date, we suggest that you wait until this problem has been resolved.

Please read the linked FAQ for more detail. However, please keep in mind that the information being disclosed is limited.