Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (D-TX)

My South Texas staff works primarily on helping constituents in matters dealing with federal agencies. Most of their work involves cutting through the red tape to get you the answers you need. They are my most direct contact with people in South Texas, and are valuable representatives for me throughout the district.       

Brownsville Office Staff:

1805 Ruben Torres, B-27, Brownsville, TX 78521
Phone, 956.541-1242; Fax, 956.544-6915

Denise Blanchard, Deputy Chief of Staff/District Director; handles casework involving these agencies: Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Interior, Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Service Academies, as well as special projects like bridges, wastewater systems, transportation, and Veterans' matters.

Maria Barrera-Jaross, Office Manager; handles casework involving these agencies: Department of Homeland Security (including all Immigration Services, Border Patrol, and Ports of Entry), Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services (child support), Department of Justice, Department of State, and Passports.

Joel Munguia, Caseworker; handles casework involving these agencies: Department of Veterans Affairs (casework only), Social Security Administration, Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Labor, Office of Personnel Management, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal Communications Commission, Medicare and Medicaid, flag orders, and Champus, all military issues.

Laura Garza, Receptionist; handles tour requests and invitation requests.

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Corpus Christi Office:

3649 Leopard, Suite 510, Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Phone, 361.883-5868; Fax, 361.884-9201

Jerry Sawyer, Office Manager; handles casework involving these agencies: Department of Veterans' Administration, Department of Defense and the military, Prisons (State and Federal), and issues of a legal nature.

Esther Oliver, Caseworker; handles casework involving these agencies: Department of Education, Social Security Administration, Texas Workforce Commission, Department of Health and Human Services, Welfare, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Postal Service.

Sylvia Ramirez, Caseworker; handles casework involving these agencies: Small Business Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Homeland Security's Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) and outreach with issues at local, county and state levels.

Carol Vasquez, Caseworker; handles casework involving these agencies: Department of Homeland Security (including Immigration Services and Border Patrol), Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Justice, Housing and Urban Development, and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.

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Washington, DC Office

2470 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
202.225.7742; Fax, 202.226.1134

My Washington, DC staff works primarily on federal legislation and its impact on the 27^th Congressional District. They work with constituents, local officials, and advocacy organizations to address South Texas’ needs.

Fernando “Nando” Gomez, Chief of Staff; manages the operation of the entire office, both in Washington and in South Texas. 

Lindsay Young, Military Legislative Assistant; handles military and intelligence policy and serves as liaison for House Armed Services Committee.

Doug Matties, Military Fellow; handles military and intelligence policy and serves as liaison for House Armed Services Committee.

Cathy Travis, Communications Director; manages all aspects of communication between Congressman Ortiz and the media; handles policy on arts and humanities, science and is the intern coordinator.

Patricia Villarreal, Legislative Director; manages Congressman Ortiz’s overall legislative portfolio and handles issues related to homeland security and infrastructure.

Todd Curry, Legislative Assistant; handles commerce and judiciary policy.

Victor Ysaguirre, Legislative Assistant/Correspondent; manages all constituent communications and handles telecommunications and Medicare policy.

Nina Ramon, Executive Assistant; coordinates the Congressman’s schedule, travel and serves as the DC office manager.

Nick Wetegrove, Front Office Assistant; manages tour requests and flag orders and maintains front office.

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