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Help With Federal Agencies

One of the most important duties I have as a Member of Congress is to assist my constituents with any problems they may encounter working with various Federal agencies. Having a problem with the federal government can be very frustrating. However, I have qualified caseworkers in my district offices to assist you in these situations and provide guidance and answers.

Constituents frequently ask questions regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits, Veterans' Administration concerns, immigration problems, and difficulties with the Internal Revenue Service. My district office can help you obtain reliable information, order forms, and inquire on your behalf with a federal agency. Although my staff cannot guarantee a particular outcome, they will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your concern.

If you would like my office to contact an agency on your behalf, please complete my constituent authorization form and return it via mail or fax it to the district office that is closest to your home. The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that Members of Congress and their staff have written authorization before they can obtain information about an individual's case. When filling out the privacy release form, it is vital that you clearly describe your problem and include all pertinent information regarding your situation (previous contacts with the agency, case numbers, paperwork filed to date, etc.).

Related Links
Immigration Inquiry Form
IRS Information Authorization Form
Constituent Authorization Form

Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Casework

Do you reside in Congresswoman Capps’ District?
Congressional courtesy, ethics rules and propriety dictate that each Member of Congress has the honor and responsibility to serve his or her own constituents. Click here to find out if you live in Congresswoman Capps’ district, or to find your Congressional Representative. Simply enter your zip code and four-digit extension. 

Does your case involve a Federal agency?
As a Federal representative, I am able to make inquiries of Federal agencies. If your case involves state, county, or local government, your public school district or other public agencies, please contact those representatives. 

Does the case you are concerned about involve you?
Due to privacy laws, I must have the written consent of my constituent in order to make an official inquiry. However, I will be happy to listen to your concerns regarding a constituent who is having difficulty. Please contact my office and outline the situation so that we can determine whether we may be of assistance. My office can then contact the constituent directly to obtain their written consent.
Is your situation a legal dispute? 

As a member of the Legislative Branch, I am unable to become involved in court cases or legal issues. This restriction is due to the Separation of Powers as outlined in the Constitution. This restriction applies to both civil and criminal matters. 

Is your case within the agency’s normal processing time?
It is rare that a case can be “sped up” for any reason other than extreme hardship. If you believe your situation merits faster processing, please contact my district office closest to you. My staff will discuss your situation and help you determine the proper strategy. 

How do I receive a privacy release?
Once you have asked yourself these questions and determined that your case is something I can assist you with, please feel free to contact my office via telephone, fax, US postal mail, email or in person. If I can assist you, you must complete a privacy release so that my office can initiate an agency inquiry on your behalf. 

 

What assistance can you expect from my office?
My offices are here to assist constituents with problems involving a federal agency. Although I am unable to assure a specific outcome regarding a particular case, I may make inquiries as to the status of your case, obtain additional information, or direct you to appropriate resources or services. My role is to assure you a fair and thorough review of your case and to seek a timely response from the agency.
If you are still unsure whether I can assist you with your case, please contact my district office closest to you. My staff will discuss your situation.

 

Federal Agency Websites

These are some of the federal agencies that my office can help with. Please check their web sites before contacting the office because they may contain the information you need. You can find information about other government agencies at www.usa.gov
 

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