Help with Federal Agencies

If you need help cutting government red tape, caseworkers in my state offices will make every effort to assist you. Whether it's obtaining information on federal benefits for which you may be eligible, a problem you're having with Social Security, Medicare or veterans benefits, or an issue that needs to be resolved with a federal government agency like the Internal Revenue Service, my staff stands ready to help. The first step for you is to send a signed copy of a Privacy Act release form and any supporting documentation by mail to my Baltimore office. This release form gives my staff your permission to discuss your case with the appropriate federal agency. A letter explaining your problem or request is helpful, but not necessary since the Privacy Act form includes a place for this information.

Casework cannot be done by phone or email because of Privacy Act considerations. Be assured that your mailed requests will be received and acted upon promptly. You will be contacted by a member of my staff if more information is needed or to let you know that what steps have been taken on your behalf.

If your problem involves an agency of the State of Maryland or of local government, I would encourage you to write to your elected officials at that level of government. Please understand that as one of your United States Senators, it would be inappropriate for me to intervene in a state, local or court decision.

• General privacy release form
• Federal Employees privacy release form
• Immigration privacy release form
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) privacy release form
• Military/VA privacy release form
• Passport cases privacy release form
• Social Security Administration (SSA) privacy release form
• Visa cases privacy release form
• Workers' Compensation privacy release form

Helpful Federal Agency Links

Following you will find links to some of the federal agencies you may have questions about. Many of the most asked questions such as, "How do I apply for a passport?" "Where is the nearest VA Medical Center?" can now be answered by browsing the agencies' home pages. If you still have questions that have not been resolved after checking out their web site and calling the agency, please contact one of my state offices by phone or mail.

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission web site offers a "quick start" for both employers and employees of their rights and responsibilities under federal equal employment opportunity laws. The site also provides information on EEOC laws and regulations, and federal sector equal employment information.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health insurance programs. The CMS web site has an extensive Frequently Asked Question section on Medicare and Medicaid.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency web site offers information on disaster assistance, reducing risk through mitigation, flood insurance and several other emergency programs.
• Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services web site provides information on green card replacement, the Immigration Services and Benefits Program, INS forms and fees, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions page.
• Federal Trade Commission database of fraud complaints and has a wide variety of consumer education materials providing tips on avoiding fraud.
• Internal Revenue Service, web site or The Digital Daily, touts itself as "faster than a speeding 1040 EZ." Download tax forms, get taxpayer help and use IRS e-fileto file your tax return electronically.
• Office of Personnel Management web site has a quick index of topics of interest to federal employees and federal retirees.
• Office of Workers' Compensation Program web site describes the workers' compensation programs as well as state workers' compensation laws.
• Social Security Administration web site has a Frequently Asked Questions section on several different subjects as well as SSA publications, benefit payment schedules, and information on employment support for people with disabilities.
• State Department web site provides information on everything from U.S. foreign policy to virtual tours of embassies to services for travelers. The Bureau of Consular Affairs home page gives travelers all the information they need for international travel, including passport and visa applications and travel warnings.
• Thrift Savings Plan web site for federal employees enrolled in TSP offers retirement planning calculators, access to your TSP account balances, and TSP forms and booklets that can be downloaded.
• U.S.Senate web site provides information on Senate committee hearings, Senate floor activity, visiting the Senate, and Senate history, as well as links to each Senator's home page.
• Department of Veterans' Affairs web site includes the benefits manual for veterans and dependents, a list of veterans' facilities by state, and information on several other veterans' programs.
• White House web site is a gateway to the federal government online. It provides easy access to information on benefits and assistance, health, education, science and technology, travel and tourism, consumer protection, employment and taxes, and several other topics.