Congressman Patrick J. Murphy - Frequently Asked Questions

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F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions most often asked of Rep. Murphy. Each question includes links to help you find answers to your questions. As always, please feel free to contact him at (215) 826-1963 in Bristol, (215) 348-1194 in Doylestown, or (202) 225-4276 in Washington, D.C. with any questions.

How do I contact Rep. Murphy?

Rep. Murphy is very accessible and willing to talk to his constituents. You may call, write, fax, or email him anytime with your thoughts, suggestions and concerns. Constituents may drop by his district office in Bristol or Doylestown to say hello, or visit the office while they are in Washington, D.C. Our office phone numbers are (215)826-1963 in Bristol; (215)348-1194 in Doylestown; and (202)225-4276 in Washington, D.C.

If I mail something to Rep. Murphy's office, will it get there?

Mail delivery to Rep. Murphy's Bristol and Doylestown offices is, and always has been, uninterrupted. The anthrax attacks in the fall of 2001 disrupted mail for many federal buildings and agencies in Washington, D.C. especially in areas where contaminated letters were found. As a result of the need for increased security around the Capitol Building, mail delivery to Rep. Murphy's Washington, D.C. office is delayed. All mail is irradiated in an offsite screening facility. Letters bound for all congressional offices in Washington, D.C. take about 3-4 weeks for delivery. Any type of package or larger delivery is permitted on a very limited basis, even from companies like FedEx or UPS. Please keep this delay in mind if you mail something to Rep. Murphy's Washington, D.C. office.

What should I do if I need assistance with a federal agency?

In certain instances, Rep. Murphy can act as a liaison between you and a federal agency. Examples of agencies with which you may need assistance are: Social Security Administration, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, Housing and Urban Development, Internal Revenue Service.

How do I schedule a meeting with Rep. Murphy?

Rep. Murphy and members of his staff often meet with constituents and listen to their thoughts and concerns. To schedule a meeting, please call fill out a scheduling request form via the contact center.

What is Rep. Murphy's Email update and how can I sign up?

When Congress is in session Rep. Murphy puts out an Email update to people that have signed up for it. To jump directly to the sign up page click here.

What type of tours can your office help arrange?

Planning a trip to Washington, D.C can be both fun and challenging. So, let us help you. My staff can assist with you planning tours of some of the most historically significant and interesting buildings in Washington, D.C. including:

The White House

The White House is the most frequently toured home in America, with over a million visitors each year. We recommend planning your visit at least 4-6 months ahead. Please note that White Hour tour requests may take several months to process and there are no tours on Sunday and Monday. Although all requests for tours are processed, please be aware that this submitting this information does not guarantee your reservation for your tour request.

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol guide service offers two types of tours: public and staff-led. Public tours are offered Monday through Saturday. A limited number of public tour tickets are given out daily at 9:15am at the East front of the Capitol for scheduled times throughout that day. We recommend standing in line early. A guided tour of the Capitol includes visits to the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, and the Crypt. Our office also provides passes to the House Gallery from our Washington, DC location. Please note, staff led tour are offered Monday-Friday.

Supreme Court

"Members of the Curator's staff provide visitors with an overview of the functions of the Supreme Court and the architecture of the Supreme court Building."

Court room seats are available to visitors on a first come first serve basis when the Court is in session. Twenty minute court room lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the Court is not in session. Reservations for a Supreme Court tour for groups of 4 or less (but not a viewing of the Court in session) can be made through my office in Washington, D.C. office. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 1:45p.m.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Over 70 million dollars was produced last year at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the United States Government's manufacturer of securities. Reservations for Congressional tours must be made at least three months in advance. These tours are scheduled at 8:15 am or 8:45 am.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress contains millions of books and rare and valuable possessions that were both donated and bought from across the world. These rare artifacts are rotated to give the public an opportunity to see some of the Library's collections.

Congressional Tours of the Library of Congress are conducted Monday through Friday at 8:30am and 2pm. Please call at least two months in advance for reservations.

Click here official websites of Washington, D.C. sights

How do I purchase a U.S. flag to be flown over the Capitol Building?

Constituents may purchase U.S. flags through their Member of Congress. They can also have them flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in honor of certain events or occasions.

How can I get a copy of Rep. Murphy's official headshot?

Use this link for a .jpg picture of Rep. Murphy. If you would like a hard-copy photograph please call his office at (215) 826-1963 or (202) 225-4276.

Does Rep. Murphy have internship opportunities available?

Yes. Internships are a great opportunity for interested students. Rep. Murphy welcomes interns in his Bristol, PA, Doylestown, PA and Washington, D.C. offices. Typically interns come during the summer months, or for a semester during the school year.

Click here for more information

How does Congress work?

The chief function of Congress is the making of laws. Common questions on how Congress works are answered here.

How does a bill become a law?

Passing legislation into law is often a complicated and long process. For a complete explanation of this process, please see our How a Bill Becomes a Law section.

How do I look up a bill or other legislative information?

Whether by bill number or key word, the Library of Congress' Thomas website is a great resource for looking up legislative information. This link is also on the front page of Rep. Murphy's website.

Where can I find out how Rep. Murphy voted?

Check the website of the Clerk of the House to find out how each Member of Congress voted. To search for the most recent votes, click on the link under U.S. House of Representatives Roll Call Votes for the 110th Congress.

What committees is Rep. Murphy on?

Rep. Murphy serves on two committees: the House Committee on Appropriations and the Select Committee on Intelligence.

What is a Congressional Page, and how can I become one?

Pages are high school juniors with a cumulative grade point average of "B" or better who are hired by the House of Representatives to live, work, and study in Washington, DC. Nominated by their Member of Congress, they serve as support staff for the U.S. House of Representatives, either for a full school year or for one of two summer sessions.

Where can I find the websites of a particular federal agency or department?

For a complete list, visit FirstGov.gov

How do I file a consumer complaint?

We've set up a page describing the process, and how we can help you through it, here.

How do I contact my U.S. Senators?

Every state has two U.S. Senators elected to six year terms. Pennsylvania's U.S. Senators are: The Honorable Arlen Specter and The Honorable Robert Casey Jr.

Who is my Pennsylvania State Senator?

Find websites for each Senator and information on how to find out who your Senator is from the PA State Senate homepage.

Who is my representative in the Pennsylvania State Assembly?

Use your zip code to find out who represents you in the PA State Assembly.

What is the 8th district like?

Visit Rep. Murphy's district description page that tells you all about the 8th district.

Where can I learn about schools in the 8th district?

The 8th district is home to some of the best schools in the country. Click Here to learn more about the education system and the opportunities in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the City of Philadelphia. On this page you will also find links to school report cards to find out how each school is performing and information on emergency preparedness to help keep you and your child safe.

Contacting My Offices

Understanding Congress

Contacting Other Government Offices

Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District