Most federal agencies have excellent Web sites with valuable information. Many of the questions you may have might be answered on one of these sites, and I urge you to utilize that information. If the links below do not include the agency Web site you need, I urge you to visit USA.gov, which provides links to every federal department, independent agency and government corporation.
Also, Govbenefits.gov is a Web site that provides information on more than 1,000 free benefit programs, helping to reduce the amount of research needed to take advantage of government benefits and making them more accessible to all people.
I realize that it can sometimes be difficult to navigate the maze of the federal government. If you are experiencing a problem that cannot be resolved through normal channels, I will be happy to try to help. I cannot guarantee a particular outcome since the Congress has no control over administrative decisions issued by any agency. However, I can guarantee that I will make every effort on your behalf.
The first step to initiate this process would be for you to complete Privacy Act Form and send it to one of my offices. Federal entities are prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974 from releasing any personal information without written authorization. Therefore, this completed form or a letter outlining your problem and containing your signature must be in my hands before I may initiate an inquiry on your behalf. To assist me in having a better understanding of your situation, it would also be helpful if you would include a copy of any pertinent correspondence you have sent to or received from the federal agency involved.
Of course, if you are facing an emergency situation and need immediate assistance, please call one of my district offices.
Upon receipt of your Privacy Act release form or letter of explanation, I will contact the appropriate federal agency to request a review of your concerns. It is difficult to predict when I will receive a response from the agency. The standard guideline of 30-45 days may vary depending on the complexity or urgency of an individual case. However, I can assure you that, as soon as I receive any information from an agency regarding your case, I will let you know via letter, e-mail or telephone.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
As the term implies, a federal agency is an entity that is part of the federal government. As a federal legislator, I may intervene on your behalf with any federal agency. All Presidential cabinet departments, such as the Department of Defense (including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corp), the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor (including the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security (including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), the Department of the Treasury (including the Internal Revenue Service) as well as independent agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission fall in this category. If you are unsure whether your problem involves a federal agency, visit for a detailed listing.
NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES
If your problem involves a New York State agency, such as child support, motor vehicle registration or licensing, public assistance, Medicaid, state taxes or state workers' compensation, your New York State legislators would be in the best position to assist you. You will want to visit the appropriate New York State website to identify your representative in the New York State Senate or Assembly.
If your problem concerns a legal matter, it may interest you to know that legal aid societies have been established in many Northern New York communities to provide legal assistance to those with limited incomes. Contact the nearest office to determine your eligibility and discuss your concerns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I also suggest that you take a look at the issue areas below that pertain to your particular concern. You may find an answer to your question there.
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Education Department
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FCC - Federal Communications Commission
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Housing and Urban Development
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Internal Revenue Service
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Department of Labor
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Medicare
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Military
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Office of Personnel Management
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Passport Service
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Postal Service
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Social Security Administration
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State Department - Visas
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Department of Veteran's Affairs
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Department of Homeland Security
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| U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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