By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
One of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative in Congress is helping Oklahomans navigate the federal government. Whether you are waiting on a passport application, having trouble with the IRS, or trying to resolve an issue with the Department of Veterans Affairs, my office is here to help connect you with the right agency and work to get answers.
Since taking office in 2021, we have resolved nearly 3,418 constituent service cases. So far this year alone, we have opened 485 cases and successfully closed 418. While we cannot override agency decisions or ask an agency to ignore its policies or the law, we can often help facilitate communication when you have been unable to get a response on your own.
One of the most common requests my office receives involves passports. If you have upcoming international travel and your passport is delayed, my team can request updates on your application and if eligible, request expedited processing. Since taking office, we have helped more than 500 constituents receive their passports before their scheduled travel. If your passport is lost or expired shortly before a trip, we may also be able to help secure an in-person appointment at a passport agency. For Americans who lose a passport while traveling abroad, our office can also work with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to help facilitate obtaining a temporary passport for the trip home.
Helping veterans is another important part of our constituent services. Since taking office, my team has closed approximately 465 cases involving the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are waiting on a benefits application, our team can request updates on your claim, help flag eligible cases involving financial hardship, and assist in obtaining important military records such as a DD-214. While we cannot influence the outcome of a claim, we can help ensure you receive information about its status and connect you with the appropriate resources.
We also regularly assist constituents experiencing issues with the IRS. Since taking office, we have closed 795 IRS related cases. If you are waiting for a tax refund, dealing with identity theft, or have mistakenly been listed as deceased in IRS or Social Security Administration records, my office can work with the Taxpayer Advocate Service to obtain updates. For taxpayers facing financial hardship, we can submit supporting documentation so the agency can review their case for hardship consideration.
If you are experiencing any of the issues described above or need assistance with another federal agency, I encourage you to contact my district office. While we cannot submit benefit applications on your behalf, interfere in legal matters, or change an agency’s final decision, we are committed to helping you navigate the process and get the answers you need. To learn more, click here or contact my district office at (405) 300-6890.
