If you have been unable to resolve an issue with a federal agency, you may contact the Senator either by telephone, by mail, or by filling out an online form requesting assistance. All requests for assistance must be in writing.

Please note that any request for assistance must be accompanied by a signed Constituent Services/Privacy Act Release Form that you may submit by fax or mail. Your request will be handled by Sen. Durbin's staff in his Illinois offices and they will do their utmost to preserve and protect your privacy.

Should you send a request for assistance to the Senator's Washington, DC office, the response time will be delayed as that request must then be forwarded to the appropriate state office.

A member of the Senator's staff will review your correspondence and contact the appropriate federal agency or office on your behalf. Agency requirements and response times vary greatly. The average response time to a congressional inquiry is 30 to 60 days.

Senate rules prevent Sen. Durbin from intervening in the proceedings of any court of law (including appeal proceedings), since these are activities of the judicial branch of government. He can, however, ascertain the status of an appeal and ask to be notified when a final decision has been made.

Although a United States Senator does have authority in legislative matters, the power to change decisions made by a government agency lies within the executive branch of government. A Senator can ask that an agency review decisions already made. A Senator can also inquire about the status of a decision, and can facilitate the processes involved.

Sen. Durbin is also concerned about how federal laws affect your lives. Correspondence regarding legislation and legislative matters should be sent to his Washington, DC office.

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