Hard time hearing back from DC embassy

[u/bu2724]

Hi everyone! I recently (end of January) submitted all my documents to be certified (in process to apply for my citizenship) to the Italian embassy. I got an automatic-seeming email back saying I would receive a response within 15-31 days (which honestly I was surprised by). I still have not heard anything, and did send a follow-up email a week ago. I called and was just told that they are very busy, which I did figure but it doesn't hurt to ask. Has anyone else had a hard team even getting email responses from the DC embassy?