Public Service

My organization demonstrates public service in the sense that, quite simply, that's the only reason that it exists. Most of the time, when the average person thinks about Congress, or about their representative, they think about legislation (or more accurately, legislative gridlock). In reality, the work that goes on behind the scenes in district offices like mine is more productive and has more noticeable and immediate effects on the individual lives of constituents.

This is because district offices (as opposed to the Congressional offices in Washington) are focused on what's called constituent services. They aren't there to prepare legislation or to campaign. So what are constituent services? Basically, if you or I have a problem or any type of issue relating to a federal agency like the IRS, the VA, or the Social Security Administration, we would need the help of a constituent services representative from our district office.

These staffers act as constituents' advocates with the federal agencies. As it says on the Congressman's website, "If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need."

There are many other ways in which public service takes place as well, though most are (unsurprisingly) connected with the federal government. If you want to purchase a flag that has been flown over the Capitol, that can be done through your district office. If you need a recommendation for an application to a military academy, or need to expedite your passport application due to an emergency, or just want information regarding tours of the Capitol, the district office is there to serve you.