Assistance With Federal Agencies

How can your office assist me with a federal agency?

As your Congressman, I look to bring the government to you…the people.  If you are you having difficulties with any federal government agency, my staff is available to help make sure that your concerns receive a response.

While we can not ask the agency to do anything it would not normally do under its regulations, we can assist you in working with the agency to ensure that your rights are respected and that procedural errors are corrected.

Does my problem qualify for your assistance?

In order for us to begin to process your inquiry, two important qualifications must be met:

• You must live in the 1st Congressional District

As a matter of congressional courtesy, each Member of Congress only serves his or her own constituents and will refer those residing outside of their Congressional District to the appropriate representative.

• Your issue must be with a federal agency.

Because of the Constitutional separation of powers between the three branches of government, judicial matters (matters which involve the courts) do not fall under my jurisdiction.  Examples of judicial matters include child custody issues, divorce, criminal trials or imprisonment.

Problems which involve Missouri state agencies are also not under my jurisdiction.  Examples of such problems include child support cases, motor vehicle registration or loss of license, welfare, or state taxes.  For these problems, you should contact the Office of the Governor of Missouri at (573)526-2695.

How can I receive assistance?

Follow the steps below to receive assistance with your issues:

1. Complete a privacy authorization & letter of description:

According to the Privacy Act of 1974, most federal agencies will require a release signed by you before they will respond to an inquiry from me.  Please submit a Privacy Authorization Form so that a Member of Congress or their staff can contact a federal agency on your behalf. Please include a brief explanation of your situation to one of my District Offices. Any additional information that may help my staff and I assist you should be sent along as well.

If you are a St. Louis City resident, please send the above information to the following address:

Congressman William Lacy Clay
ATTN: Constituent Services Representative
625 North Euclid Street, Suite #220
St. Louis, MO 63108

If you are a St. Louis County resident,  please send the above information to the following address:

Congressman William Lacy Clay
ATTN: Constituent Services Representative
8021 West Florissant Ave., Suite F
St. Louis, MO 63136

2.  Next Steps

Once your inquiry is received, you will get a letter advising you which member of my staff has been assigned to work on your case. You will also receive a copy of any correspondence that is sent on your behalf.

You can always call my district offices to discuss your concerns with a member of my staff.