Q: Once you receive my Privacy Authorization Form what happens next?
A: When my caseworker receives your form he or she will submit your inquiry to the appropriate agency.
Receiving this initial response can take an average of 30 – 90 days. When my office gets an answer from the agency about your case we will contact you at that time with a response.
Q: Are there certain issues you cannot help me with?
A: I cannot assist with or intercede in any matter before any court, including one involving a criminal charge. Issues with private companies such as your cable provider or Credit Card Company are also outside of my jurisdiction. Also, I cannot intercede in any City, County or Municipal Government or State Issue. (Examples of these include, but are not limited to, food stamps, road repairs, child support payments and probation.)
Q: Someone I know is having a problem; can I request your assistance on their behalf?
A: Unfortunately, I cannot initiate an inquiry with a federal agency without the primary party’s consent. The person having the problem must be the one to initiate contact with my office, as well as fill out the Privacy Authorization Form. Additionally, Power of Attorney is not recognized by federal agencies, as it is granted by the State of Texas and not the federal government.
Q: I live outside of your district but I want your office to assist me, can you still help me?
A: Although I appreciate you contacting my office with your concerns, in the tradition of congressional courtesy I can only assist residents of my district. My office would be happy to forward your inquiry to your representative if requested.
If you have already contacted your Congressional Representative and are not satisfied with the response, you can contact your Senators, John Cornyn and Kay Bailey-Hutchinson, who represent the entire State of Texas.
Q: My issue does not involve a personal situation. I would, however, like to suggest legislative changes which I feel would be beneficial; how do I do that?
A: This form is for casework with my district offices only. If you would like to speak to someone regarding legislation or a change in current laws, you can contact my Washington D.C. office at 202-225-4236.
Checklist
Before you return your Privacy Authorization form to any of my district office’s please ensure that you have completed the following:
I have signed and filled out all of the sections on the Privacy Authorization Form. I have included documentation which I feel is relevant to my case (when appropriate).
