Help with a Federal Agency
If you do not receive a response from a Federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While I cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, my staff and I will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your concern.
Residents of the 10th Congressional District of Washington can contact me for assistance in dealing with Federal agencies. In order to better serve you, please download, print, fill out, and return the Privacy Release Form (linked below) to my district office in Lacey or Tacoma during normal business hours. The address and phone numbers for my district offices can be found at the bottom of this page. My staff will contact you to provide assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us.
Click here to download the Editable Privacy Release Form (for all Federal agencies except for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS))
Examples of federal agency assistance
David and Hiroko
When David - a resident of the 10th Congressional District - married Hiroko, they looked forward to their lives together in the Pacific Northwest. But as a citizen of another country, Hiroko first needed to apply for a visa in order to live in the United States.
During the process, David and Hiroko encountered confusion while working with the National Visa Center, the agency in charge of collecting relevant information and documents for visa applications before they are sent to the proper U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The National Visa Center was in the process of altering their procedures for accepting evidence, which lead to a long delay in the process for David and Hiroko.
The Office of Rep. Denny Heck contacted the National Visa Center on David and Hiroko’s behalf to determine what was causing the delay. After receiving clarification on the updated policy, Hiroko was able to be interviewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizen and Immigration Services and granted a visa in order to move to the United States.
“Having worked for the US Government both as a civilian and US Army Officer for 20 years, this is perhaps the most rapid response and remedy I have seen in the resolution of a governmental issue.”
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Eric
When SPC Eric Smith* applied for a hardship discharge with the U.S. Army, he hoped for a speedy decision so that he could focus on caring for his mother. After several months passed and he still did not have an answer, he contacted the office of Congressman Heck. The office initiated an inquiry with the U. S. Army who reviewed his case and determined additional documents were required, which SPC Smith provided and his application was moved forward for approval.
“His staff helped bring a resolution.”
*Not his real name.
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Reese
Reese* is a proud father of his daughter who attends college in Canada. While filing his federal taxes, he realized that the school his daughter was attending did not provide the form the IRS requires in order to deduct tuition payments.
Reese contacted the Office of Rep. Denny Heck, who uncovered more information about a proposed rule from the Internal Revenue Service allowing tax filers to request an exception when they don’t have the right form. Reese was informed that he would be able to claim that deduction.
“Staff submitted my issue to the IRS, pursued a timely response, and kept me informed of the status of their efforts during the whole process. I received the exact information I needed in a timely manner.”
For more resources on tax credits and deductions, please visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website.
*Not his real name.
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Ivy
Ivy* and her husband call the South Sound home, but Ivy’s mother still lives in China where she was born. Ivy applied from an adjustment of her immigration status, but the processing of her application was taking longer than usual. When she finally received an interview with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office, it was cancelled with no reason given.
Ivy understood that the immigration process takes time, but she needed her legal permanent resident card issued in order to visit her mother, who was ill. She had not been able to visit her mother back home in China for five years.
The Office of Rep. Denny Heck made inquiries to USCIS to determine the status of Ivy’s case. After resolving a minor issue that was contributing to the delay, USCIS granted her legal permanent status and work authorization and she was able to visit her mother.
“The front desk and other people who helped me get my case done are all very helpful and warm-hearted. Thanks a lot for the help with my application of my permanent resident and work authorization.”
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Gabrielle
Gabrielle and her husband requested help from Congressman Heck when they felt they were “at the end of the road” with their efforts to help her husband’s father, Bill. Bill is a disabled Korea-combat veteran who had medical issues that needed attention.
After Gabrielle contacted the Office of Rep. Denny Heck, his staff discovered that her father-in-law’s case was mislabeled. With the correction made, Gabrielle and her family were able to find a suitable doctor to treat Bill and help his injuries begin to heal.
“Despite our combined decade plus of education, and a vast well of will power, neither my husband, nor I, were able to get anywhere with the VA. We went around and around trying to set appointments, determine facilities, get equipment, and after two years of diligent effort still hadn’t managed even to get a primary physician! Our letter to Congressman Heck was a last-ditch effort, but one we are so grateful we tried. It took less than a week for his case to be reviewed. He had been prioritized incorrectly, but now has a physician and multiple appointments for care. We are so grateful to Denny Heck and his staff.”
*Not her real name.
Passport Applications
We may be able to help you expedite your passport application in an emergency, report lost passports, and monitor overseas travel restrictions.
- For general questions regarding the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs passport services, see the State Department's Frequently Asked Questions about Passports web page.
Immigration
The following information is for immigrants. Please contact my office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have.
- How can I apply for lawful permanent residence ("green cards")?
- How can I obtain information on naturalization?
- How can I gain employment authorization?
- Are there services for anyone who has a case pending With USCIS?
- How can I obtain legal advice?
- How can I undergo an immigration medical examination?
- How can I adopt a child from another country?
For more information on immigration and citizenship, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.