Constituent Services
The Federal Government is large and complex, and trying to find answers to your questions can be a frustrating experience. Part of my role as your elected Representative in Congress is to help you find information about government services you may qualify for and to help resolve any dispute you may be having with a federal agency.
If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact my office directly.
In My Office
Below you will find information on some of the services my office provides to constituents:
- Flags which have been flown over the U.S. Capitol.
- Tickets and tours for visitors to Washington DC.
- Student internships in one of my Congressional offices.
- Nominations to the United States Military Academies.
- Resources for students.
- Guides to social services in each county.
Federal Help
A big part of my job is to help my constituents resolve problems they are having with federal agencies like the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service or the Veterans' Administration. Members of my district staff are trained to work with you in these situations.
- Immigration - help with citizenship, immigration, or visa & passport services.
- Seniors - help with Social Security, Medicare, or federal retirement benefits.
- Veterans - help with disability compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, education, burial or survivor benefits.
Privacy Release
If you are seeking basic information about federal programs, these questions can often be answered by phone. However, if you have an individual problem involving a federal agency or program, the Privacy Act of 1974 requires that I have written authorization before an agency will provide any information about you. Please print and complete a Privacy Release Form [PDF] [MSWord Doc] to begin the process. It is helpful to provide all the information that will be needed to start work on your behalf. Social Security numbers or case numbers are routinely required as well as details about your situation. It is also helpful if you can provide copies of documents or correspondence related to your case.
Local Help
Problems with government programs are not limited to the federal government but unfortunately, I cannot assist you with problems related to state or local agencies like the Oregon Employment Division, the Department of Motor Vehicles or local police departments. Even when a state program receives federal funding -- like the Oregon Health Plan or food stamps -- I have no authority to intervene.
Similarly, I am unable to intervene in any case in which active litigation is pending. If you do not have legal representation, you can find referral information for the Oregon Bar Association or Legal Aid in my social service guide.
In cases where I cannot directly assist you, I can help you find the proper office to contact. Contact my Portland District Office at 503-326-2901 or 800-422-4003 for help or use the links below to locate officials who represent you at the state and local level to assist you with these problems.