My job as your representative is to make government work better for you.  I cut through red tape when 13th Congressional District residents run into problems with federal government agencies, such as tracking down a lost Social Security payment or breaking through an agency's backlog to resolve a time sensitive issue.

In order to better serve you, please keep in mind the following things:

Due to congressional courtesy, I can only provide these services to people who reside in California's 13th Congressional District.

My office can only address federal issues.
If you have concerns about state and local agencies, you should express those concerns to state and local officials. My office can usually direct people to the local representatives able to handle their concerns.

Please call the agency first.
Many issues can be resolved quickly without my intervention. If you don’t know what agency handles your problem, my office can help you determine which agency you should call.

I can cut through red tape for you but I cannot act as your lawyer.
While I can try to buzz through bureaucratic logjams, I cannot serve as your lawyer. If you think your case warrants an attorney, you may decide that you want to retain one.

I cannot make an agency decide a matter in your favor.
I can insist on full, fair and prompt consideration of an issue but I cannot usurp an agency’s legal authority to determine an issue.

I need your written consent to take action.

My inquiries to federal agencies are based on your letter to me describing your concern and granting me the authority to act on your behalf. In your letter to me, please include any case numbers you may have that would identify your file at the agency involved. In addition to your letter, I will need a signed Privacy Release Form. The Privacy Act precludes federal agencies from sharing with me any information about you without this Privacy Release.

Note:  By contacting me, you authorize my office to request assistance on your behalf and to receive information in connection with your problem (described below) caused by the specified government agency.

Please click on the links below to find out more specific ways that I can be of assistance.