Frequently Asked Questions

Below please find a list of some questions that are frequently asked by residents of the 9th district.  If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact one of our offices where Bill’s staff will be happy to assist you.

1. Can Bill help individuals who aren’t residents of MA’s 9th Congressional District?

2. Am I a constituent?

3. What is the best way to contact Bill?

4. How can I schedule a meeting with Bill or someone on his staff?

5. How can I get regular updates from Bill?

6. What are Bill’s committee assignments?

7. What are Bill’s legislative priorities?

8. What legislation has Bill introduced?

9. How can I find out the status of a particular bill in the House of Representatives or Senate?

10. Can I watch proceedings on the House floor?

11. Can Bill help me resolve a problem with a federal agency such as the IRS?

12. How can I obtain a passport?

13. How can I apply for citizenship?

14. Are there opportunities for an internship in Bill’s office?

15. How can I have a flag flown over the US Capitol?

16. Can Bill help me with a problem I’m having with a state or local agency?

17. Can Bill help me with a legal problem?

Can Bill help individuals who aren’t residents of MA’s 9th Congressional District?
No.  Unfortunately, the rules of the House of Representatives only permit Members to provide assistance to residents of their districts.

Am I a constituent?
If you are not sure whether Bill is your Representative, please click here to visit the House of Representatives homepage.  In the top right corner, you will find a search box where you can type your zip code to determine your Congressional Representative.

What is the best way to contact Bill?
The best way to contact Bill – and also the most cost effective way – is to email him.  You are also always welcome to call or visit any of our three offices if you have a question or need additional information. 

How can I schedule a meeting with Bill or someone on his staff?
Our Online Office has a convenient web form that you can fill out to request a meeting.  Click here to be directed to the form.

How can I get regular updates from Bill?
The best way to get regular updates from Bill is by signing up to receive his eNewsletter, which is a periodic email update that will provide information on important issues and events in our district.  You can unsubscribe from this service at any time, and your name and email address will never be shared with anyone.

Bill also holds telephone-townhalls and has frequent local events to stay in contact with his constituents.  You can sign up to receive notifications of these events, as well as the eNewsletter, here.

 
What are Bill’s committee assignments
Bill serves on the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees.  Learn more about them by visiting the Committees page.

What are Bill’s legislative priorities?
Bill’s top priorities are creating jobs in Massachusetts’ 9th Congressional District and protecting our local industries, middle class families and small business owners.  For more information, please click here. 

What legislation has Bill introduced?
To see a list of the original legislation Bill has introduced, in addition to the legislation he has cosponsored, please click here.

How can I find out the status of a particular bill in the House of Representatives or Senate?
THOMAS is a site operated by the Library of Congress that allows you to search for specific federal legislation.  Some of the information you may find on THOMAS includes bills and resolutions, the Congressional Record, Committee Information and Congress’ schedule and calendar, among other things.  Click here to visit the THOMAS website.

Can I watch proceedings on the House floor?
CSPAN allows you to watch House proceedings in real time from any location.

Can Bill help me resolve a problem with a federal agency such as the IRS?
As a Member of Congress, it is Bill’s privilege to assist his constituents and work with federal agencies on their behalf. Please click here to view the office’s page on Casework Assistance. 

How can I obtain a passport?
Please click here to view our office’s information on passports.

How can I apply for citizenship?
Please click here to view our office’s information on becoming a US citizen.

Are there opportunities for an internship in Bill’s office?
Bill’s  internship program offers college students the unique opportunity to obtain a hands-on experience with the United States House of Representatives. For more information, please click here.

How can I have a flag flown over the Capitol?
Click here to visit the office’s Flag Requests page.  Constituents are able to obtain a flag by filling out Bill’s Flag Request Form, which is located on that page, and following the instructions. 

Can Bill help me with a problem I’m having with a state or local agency?
As a Member of Congress, Bill is only able to inquire of federal agencies on your behalf.  All local and state matters must be directed to your state representatives.  You can click here to find your local representative in the State Senate or House.

Can Bill help me with a legal problem?
Even though Bill was formerly Norfolk County District Attorney for twelve years, House rules prohibit Bill or his staff from offering legal advice or intervening in a pending lawsuit.  If you need to find a lawyer, you should contact the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 866-627-7577 or 617-654-0400.