Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a U.S. Representative do?
- What is the best way to contact Congressman Levin?
- How does a bill become a law?
- How do I find out the status of a specific bill in either the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate?
- How can I watch the proceedings on the House floor?
- What bills has Congressman Levin introduced?
- How do I schedule a tour of the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building?
- Can I order a U.S. flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol Building?
- Can Congressman Levin help me resolve a problem that I am having with a federal agency like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Citizenship and Immigration Service, or another federal agency?
- . How can I obtain a passport?
- Where can I get more information on applying for Federal grants?
- What opportunities exist for students?
1. What does a U.S. Representative do?
Members of Congress are responsible for representing the people of their District in the United States Congress. Part of this responsibility includes drafting and voting on legislation in the U.S. Congress. Representatives decide whether to vote for or against every bill that comes before the full House of Representatives. All bills must pass both House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before they can go to the President to be signed into law.
In order to produce better legislation, Members spend a lot of time meeting with people who live in the state to talk about what is happening in government and to listen to their suggestions for bills. They also participate in hearings and briefing, and have to work to build support for their position.
Another important part of being a Representative is to help local residents if they are experiencing a problem with a federal agency. For example, if you have a problem with the collection of your Social Security benefits, my office can help you by contacting the appropriate federal agency to bring attention to your problem.
2. What is the best way to contact Congressman Levin?
I enjoy hearing from my constituents in the 9th District. Click here for my Washington, DC and District office addresses and phone numbers as well as links to email me and make other requests.
3. How does a bill become a law?
In the simplest terms, a bill becomes a law after it passes the Senate and the House and the President signs it. For more information about how a bill becomes a law, visit the Library of Congress' guide on how a bill becomes a law.
4. How do I find out the status of a specific bill in either the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate?
Search for how members of Congress voted, by bill number, or keyword.
5. How can I watch the proceedings on the House floor?
I encourage you to visit my Washington, D.C. office to pick up passes to observe the House from the House Gallery, where you might see me voting or making a speech. You can also follow House proceedings by watching C-SPAN.
6. What bills has Congressman Levin introduced?
You may review legislation that I have sponsored here. I also work on legislation often introduced by the Chairman of the whole House Ways and Means Committee.
7. How do I schedule a tour of the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building?
If you are planning to visit our nation’s capitol, please contact Zeenath Hussain in my district office at (586) 498-7122 as soon as you know your travel plans. Reservations are made on a first come first serve basis and are very limited. I suggest you contact my office at least six to eight weeks prior to your trip. We have brochures, tour information and maps for the greater Washington, D.C. area, and its many attractions.
8. Can I order a U.S. flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol Building?
The office can arrange the purchase, at cost, of a United States flag. There are several sizes available in both cotton and nylon.
9. Can Congressman Levin help me resolve a problem that I am having with a federal agency like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Citizenship and Immigration Service, or another federal agency?
Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate the maze of the federal government. My office can serve as a liaison between you and a federal agency. Below is a list of some of the issues that my district office can help you with.
10. How can I obtain a passport?
If you are having a problem with receiving your passport, my office may be able to help.
11. Where can I get more information on applying for Federal grants?
My Grants webpage provides guidance and key resources to help eligible grant-seekers find information on federal grants, loans, and nonfinancial assistance for projects, as well as on private funding.
12. What opportunities exist for students?
There are a number of opportunities for students including:
- Congressional Internships
Working in a Congressional office can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. An internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience, and observe first-hand how our government operates. Interns gain practical work experience by undertaking a variety of administrative and legislative responsibilities in the office.
- Art Competition
This nationwide art competition has been coordinated and conducted by Members of the House of Representatives in their own districts since 1981. The competition is open to high school students and provides Members of Congress and the public the opportunity to recognize the artistic talents of our youth.
- Academy Nominations
To be considered for an appointment to one of the United States Service Academies, an applicant must receive a nomination from an authorized nominating source. As a Member of Congress, it has always been my distinct pleasure to nominate students from the 9th Congressional District to the Academies
