Determine if you have a federal agency problem

I am here to help you with any problem you have with a federal government agency. There are some matters which are outside of my jurisdiction and I cannot provide assistance; however, I will try and provide you with information that may help you with non-federal problems.

I can help you if

1. You are a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia

2. You have a problem with a federal government agency

If you are not a resident of Virginia, Senatorial courtesy, a long-standing tradition in the Senate, dictates that a Senator be given the opportunity to assist the people they were elected to represent. Therefore, if you are from a state other than Virginia I would ask that you contact the Senator from your state.

Some of the federal agencies that I receive the most questions about are: the Social Security Administration, Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service-part of the Department of the Treasury, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Workers' Compensation Program-part of the Department of Labor.

Federal government agencies are those that are part of the President's cabinet. There are also several independent federal government Boards and Commissions. The following is a list of these FEDERAL AGENCIES and INDEPENDENT AGENCIES:
www.whitehouse.gov/government/independent-agencies.html

A state government agency is one that falls under the authority of the Governor of Virginia, the Honorable Tim Kaine. These agencies are operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Examples of state agency issues are: Virginia state income tax returns, Virginia drivers licenses, child support, insurance company and public utility concerns and complaints. If you are having a problem with a state agency please contact Governor Kaine's office in Richmond at 804-786-2211. If you are looking for a specific phone number of a state agency you can call 1-800-422-2319 for operator assistance.

Local government agencies fall within the authority of your city or county. Examples of local issues are: problems with local public schools and local zoning issues. Your Board of Supervisors can help you with these types of problems.

Judicial Issues

Once a matter reaches the courts, it becomes a judicial matter and as such, falls outside of my authority as a United States Senator. Under the constitutional separation of powers, it would be inappropriate for a U.S. Senator to attempt to intervene in the judicial process. I am not empowered to offer legal advice or give guidance with respect to an individual case.

The remedy to change a decision of the court is by appeal. You may want to consult with an attorney for advice on the process. If you need assistance in finding a suitable attorney, you may wish to contact the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977.

Matters of appeal, parole, probation, work release or reduction in sentence also do not fall within my jurisdiction as a U.S. Senator.

If you firmly believe your problems is with a federal agency, please continue to Step 2.