How can my office assist you with a federal agency?

As a Member of Congress, it is my number one priority to serve my constituents by making sure that the government serves you…the people.  If you are you having difficulties with a federal government agency, my district office can help you obtain reliable information, ensure that you have access to appropriate forms and available resources, and make inquiries on your behalf in order to help address your concerns. 

Although my office cannot ask the agency to take any action outside its existing framework of regulations and guidelines, my staff will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your concern. 

In order to receive assistance, two important qualifications must be met:

• You must be a resident of Missouri's 1st Congressional District.

As a matter of congressional courtesy, each Member of Congress only serves his or her own constituents, and will refer residents outside of the District to the appropriate representative.  If you are not sure which district you live in, please visit www.house.gov.  You can enter your address and zip code to determine your Congressional Representative.

• Your issue must be with a federal agency.

Due to the Constitutional separation of powers between the three branches of government, judicial matters do not fall under my jurisdiction as a U.S. Representative.  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.

If you are a resident of Missouri's First District and you have a federal issue, please follow the steps below:

• 1). Complete a Privacy Authorization, including a statement of problem:

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 should also be sent.

To contact my Downtown office, please send your privacy release to the following address:

Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Federal Courthouse

111 S. 10th St., Room 24.344

St. Louis, MO 63102

To contact my South City office, please send your privacy release to the following address:

6830 Gravois Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63116

• 2). Next Step

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.