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Casework
If you need help cutting government red tape, caseworkers in my state
offices will make every effort to assist you. Whether it's obtaining
information on federal benefits for which you may be eligible, a problem
you're having with Social Security, Medicare or veterans benefits,
or an issue that needs to be resolved with a federal government agency
like the Internal Revenue Service, my staff stands ready to help.
The first step for you is to send a signed copy of a Privacy Act release
form and any supporting documentation by mail to my Baltimore
office. This release form gives my staff your permission to discuss
your case with the appropriate federal agency. A letter explaining
your problem or request is helpful, but not necessary since the Privacy
Act form includes a place for this information.
Casework cannot be done by phone or email because of Privacy Act
considerations. Be assured that your mailed requests will be received
and acted upon promptly. You will be contacted by a member of my staff
if more information is needed or to let you know that what steps have
been taken on your behalf.
If your problem involves an agency of the State of Maryland or of local
government, I would encourage you to write to your elected officials
at that level
of government. Please understand that as one of your United States
Senators, it would be inappropriate for me to intervene in a state,
local or court decision. 
Helpful Federal Agency Links
Following you will find links to some of the federal agencies you
may have questions about. Many of the most asked questions such as,
"How do I apply for a passport?" "Where is the nearest VA Medical
Center?" can now be answered by browsing the agencies' home pages.
If you still have questions that have not been resolved after checking
out their web site and calling the agency, please contact one of my
state offices by phone or mail.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
web site offers a "quick start" for both employers and employees
of their rights and responsibilities under federal equal employment
opportunity laws. The site also provides information on EEOC laws
and regulations, and federal sector equal employment information.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers Medicare,
Medicaid and Child Health insurance programs. The CMS web site has
an extensive Frequently
Asked Question section on Medicare and Medicaid.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
web site offers information on disaster assistance, reducing risk
through mitigation, flood insurance and several other emergency
programs.
- Bureau
of Citizenship and Immigration Services web site provides information
on green card replacement, the Immigration Services and Benefits
Program, INS forms and fees, as well as a Frequently
Asked Questions page.
- Federal Trade Commission database
of fraud
complaints and has a wide variety of consumer
education materials providing tips on avoiding fraud.
- Internal Revenue Service, web
site or The Digital Daily, touts itself as "faster than a
speeding 1040 EZ." Download tax forms, get taxpayer help and use
IRS e-file to file your tax return electronically.
- Office of Personnel Management
web site has a quick index of topics of interest to federal employees
and federal retirees.
- Office
of Workers' Compensation Program web site describes the workers'
compensation programs as well as state workers' compensation laws.
- Social Security Administration
web site has a Frequently
Asked Questions section on several different subjects as well
as SSA publications, benefit payment schedules, and information
on employment support for people with disabilities.
- State Department web site provides
information on everything from U.S. foreign policy to virtual tours
of embassies to services for travelers. The Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page gives travelers all the information
they need for international travel, including passport and visa
applications and travel warnings.
- Thrift Savings Plan web site
for federal employees enrolled in TSP offers retirement planning
calculators, access to your TSP account balances, and TSP forms
and booklets that can be downloaded.
- U.S.Senate web site provides
information on Senate committee hearings, Senate floor activity,
visiting the Senate, and Senate history, as well as links to each
Senator's home page.
- Department of Veterans' Affairs
web site includes the benefits manual for veterans and dependents,
a list of veterans' facilities by state, and information on several
other veterans' programs.
- White House web site is
a gateway to the federal government online. It provides easy access
to information on benefits and assistance, health, education, science
and technology, travel and tourism, consumer protection, employment
and taxes, and several other topics.
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