My job as your representative is to make government work better for you. I cut through red tape when 13th Congressional District residents run into problems with federal government agencies, such as tracking down a lost Social Security payment or breaking through an agency's backlog to resolve a time sensitive issue.

In order to better serve you, please keep in mind the following things:

Due to congressional courtesy, I can only provide these services to people who reside in California's 13th Congressional District.

My office can only address federal issues.
If you have concerns about state and local agencies, you should express those concerns to state and local officials. My office can usually direct people to the local representatives able to handle their concerns.

Please call the agency first.
Many issues can be resolved quickly without my intervention. If you don’t know what agency handles your problem, my office can help you determine which agency you should call.

I can cut through red tape for you but I cannot act as your lawyer.
While I can try to buzz through bureaucratic logjams, I cannot serve as your lawyer. If you think your case warrants an attorney, you may decide that you want to retain one.

I cannot make an agency decide a matter in your favor.
I can insist on full, fair and prompt consideration of an issue but I cannot usurp an agency’s legal authority to determine an issue.

I need your written consent to take action.

My inquiries to federal agencies are based on your letter to me describing your concern and your privacy release granting me the authority to act on your behalf. In your letter to me, please include a specific description of the problem you are having, the agency involved, and the case or identification number. Attach your completed and signed Privacy Release Form to your letter and return your correspondence to my Fremont office.

PRIVACY RELEASE FORM

The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits the government from revealing any information from personal files of individuals without the express written permission of the person involved. Disclosure of personal records to a Member of Congress whom is acting on behalf of a constituent is prohibited, unless the individual to who the record pertains has consented.

Please click on the links below to find out more specific ways that I can be of assistance.