To serve our country, this Commonwealth, our men and women in uniform, and all those I have represented has been a high privilege. As you may know, the 114^th Congress will be my last term and I will no longer represent the 4^th Congressional District of Virginia.

My staff and I will continue to assist constituents as we can; however, we are limited as we move towards closing our offices.  Accordingly, we are not initiating any new inquiries with federal agencies as we would not be able to see them through to completion. For assistance, please contact one of your United States Senators for Virginia. You can contact Senator Mark Warner at www.warner.senate.gov or in his Richmond district office at 804-775-2314 or his Norfolk District Office at 757-441-3079.  Or you can contact Senator Tim Kaine at  www.kaine.senate.gov or in his Richmond district office at 804-771-2221 or his Virginia Beach District Office at 757-518-1674.

Please note that because I hold a federal office, I do not have the direct jurisdiction to assist you in matters involving state or local government. To receive assistance in these matters, please contact your appropriate elected official at the state or local level. For more information on how I can help you, click here.

Which agency do you need help with?

• Education Department

  Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives from parents and students about dealing with the Education Department:

  Preparing for College

  • How do I help my child prepare academically and/or financially for college?
  • What educational savings plans are available?
  • Where can I apply for financial aid?

  Understanding Your Loan Repayments

  • Understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. 
  • Understand the repayment options that are available to you. 
  • Choose a repayment plan that best meets your needs.  Income-Sensitive Replacement Plan
  • Find out which organization is servicing your loans.

  
  Difficulty Repaying Loans

  • Know your deferment options.
  • Communicate with your loan servicer by contacting the Financial Student Aid Office of the Ombudsman. 
  • Learn ways to avoid loan default.
  • Find out who your current lenders or loan servicers are.

  Loan Consolidation

  • Learn the steps to consolidating your loans. 
  • Verify that you are eligible to consolidate your loans. 

  
  Managing your debt

  • Make a plan and create a budget.
  • See if extended repayment can help you.
  • Learn how to build good credit and how your credit score affects you. 
  • Get some federal income tax relief on money spent on education-related expenses.

  
  

  If you would like my help with an education issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Federal Communications Commission

  The FCC oversees many laws that affect our everyday lives. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • How can I learn about the rules for satellite television who want to receive network broadcast stations? The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 set many new rules for satellite companies, local network television stations, and consumers. Most importantly, it created a procedure for how satellite customers could apply for a waiver from their local television stations. Without this waiver, the satellite companies cannot let a customer have network television signals from other cities. Read a full explanation of the current law.
  • How do I file a complaint with the FCC? The FCC accepts complaints regarding all aspects of broadcasting including: telemarketing, telephone slamming, improper taxes, obscene broadcasts, and broadcast interference. File a complaint with the FCC online. If your complaint involves an allegation of fraud, you may want to contact the Federal Trade Commission instead.
  • How can I add my name to the Do Not Call Registry?

  If you would like my help with an FCC issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Housing and Urban Development

  The Department of Labor oversees many important laws that affect our everyday lives. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • For general information visit the U.S. Department of House and Urban Development (HUD) website, here.
  • Want advice on buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues or reverse mortgages? HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low cost advice. 
  • If you would like my help with a housing issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

  Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--  The USCIS website has information on every type of form, addresses for USCIS offices, information on fee changes, and a place to order forms online or through the mail.
  • How can I find out the status of my paperwork with the USCIS?
  • How do I schedule an appointment with USCIS to discuss case filings?
  • Immigration FAQs
  • The USCIS automated information line is available 24 hours a day. The number is: 1-800-767-1833. If you have an emergency, or can’t get the help you need from these resources, I might be able to help. However, I will need your written permission to help with most USCIS matters. You can print out my  Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.
• Internal Revenue Service

  Many times, dealing with the IRS can be confusing and frustrating. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • Where can I get IRS forms? Download online, or order by phone: 1-800-829-3676. For the hearing impaired - 1-800-829-4059 Order by fax: (703) 368-9694.
  • Who can I talk to about problems like liens, back taxes, penalties, etc.? Call the Taxpayer Advocate 24-Hour Toll-Free Hotline at 1-877-777-4778 or click here for more information.
  • Where can I find answers to questions about filing my taxes?
  • Visit the IRS website-- The best resource for general IRS information is the agency’s official website. The IRS also has a 24-hour taxpayer hotline: 1-800-829-1040. 

  If you have questions or comments about any issue involving the Internal Revenue Service, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Department of Labor

  The Department of Labor oversees many important laws that affect our everyday lives. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • How can I get information about federal laws involving overtime, work hours, and other employment issues?
  • How do I take advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act?
  • Department of Labor website

  If you would like to request my help with an issue involving the Department of Labor, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices. If you have question or comments about a Labor issue, feel free to contact my office.

• Medicare

  Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with Medicare:

  •  I lost my Medicare card. How do I get a new one? If you lose your card, contact your local Social Security office at 1-800-Medicare or visit the Medicare website immediately to get a new one.Please protect your Medicare card just as you would a credit card. Your Medicare card in the wrong hands can be used to submit fraudulent claims.
  •  I recently moved to another state. How do I update my address with Medicare? To protect you and ensure your receipt of your benefits, please let your Social Security Office know that your address has changed. The number for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213.
  •  Although I am able to walk, I have a difficult time walking long distances. Would Medicare allow payment for a wheelchair or Power Operated Vehicle (POV)?
  •  Social Security Administration website
  •  Medicare website

  If you would like my help with a Medicare issue, please print out myAuthorization Formand Intake Form and fax or mail it to my office. If you have any questions, feel free to call my office.

• Military
  • If you would like my help with a Military issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.
  • If you have any additional questions, feel free to give my office a call.
• Office of Personnel Management
  • Click here for valuable information for federal employees
  • Click here if you are looking for a federal job

  If you would like my help with an OPM issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices. If you have any questions, feel free to call my office.

• Passport Service

  Before visiting a foreign country, you should ensure that all your travel concerns are addressed. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with passports:

  • How do I apply for a passport?
  • How can I renew my existing passport?
  • I can't wait for the normal six week processing time for my application Can I request an expedite?
  • I need a copy of my birth certificate to apply for a passport. Where can I request vital records?

  If you would like my help with Passport issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Postal Service

  Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with the U.S. Postal Service:

  • Where can I get postal rates?
  • How can I get information on jobs with the Postal Service?
  • Where is the closest Post Office?

  If you would like my help with a postal issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Social Security Administration

  The Social Security Administration handles several important federal programs. Many contact me each month with questions about their retirement, Medicare, and their applications for disability benefits. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • How long does it take to process Social Security Disability claims? An application for Social Security Disability can take from 6 weeks to several years to handle, depending on a variety of factors.  Click here to find detailed information about this process. 
  • What can the Congressman do to help with my Disability claim? I am always happy to help constituents who need assistance with a disability claim. However, there are limits to what I can do. At my request, Social Security officials will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. This communication can really help a person understand what is happening with their case, so they can make other decisions regarding their life and family. However, I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's disability paperwork. You may want an attorney to help you with this. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative. I also do not have the authority to overturn any decision made by the Social Security Administration. After you file the paperwork for disability benefits with your local Social Security office, I would be pleased to follow the progress of your claim. If you would like my help, please print out this Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to my closest district office. Questions? Call my office.
  • How can I get information about my Social Security retirement benefits? Your local Social Security office can help you with this issue. You can find your local Social Security Office, here.
  • Social Security Web Site
  • Medicare Web Site

  If you have questions or comments about any issue involving the Social Security Administration, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• State Department - Visas

  Before visiting a foreign country, you should ensure that all your travel concerns are addressed. The State Department can help answer questions about traveling abroad. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with this agency:

  • I will be traveling to the Middle East. How can I find out if it is safe for me to go?
  • I will be traveling abroad with my family. Will we need certain vaccinations?
  • I will be traveling to several countries. I've got a passport, but are there any other entry requirements?

  If you would like my help with State Department issue, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.

• Department of Veteran's Affairs

  Our veterans are our heroes, and serving them is not just a duty but an honor. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions concerning the Veterans Administration:

  • How can I get a copy of my military records (discharge, medical, etc.)? To request military records, please download the SF180 and send it to one of our three district offices, along with a completed Authorization Form.
  • How can I get the medals I was awarded during my service but never received? Military medals are also an issue handled primarily through the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. In most cases, it is faster to get medals if you work through a congressional office. If you are owed medals from your service, just fill out this Authorization Form and the SF180 form and send to either one of my district offices. Once I receive this information from you, I will be back in touch with you regarding any other paperwork that might be required to send the request to the proper officials.
  • How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster? The Veterans Administration currently has many claims pending for various types of benefits. Because of that, many veterans feel that their case might be overlooked or handled improperly. I am always glad to help in these situations. At my request, the VA will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. However, it is important to know that I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's VA claim. You may still want an attorney or veterans representative to help you with this. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative. If you would like my help with a claim or appeal, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.
  • Department of Veteran's Affairs Web Site

  If you would like my help with a VA matter, please print out my Authorization Form and Intake Form and fax or mail it to one of my district offices.