Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions our office receives related to casework. If we have not answered your question below, please reach out to one of my offices so my staff can assist you.
Q: Do you reside in the 6th Congressional District of the State of Michigan?
A: Congressional courtesy dictates that each Member of Congress has the privilege and responsibility to serve his or her own constituents. If you are not sure which district you live in, please use the Find Your Representative tool. You can enter your address and Zip Code to determine your Congressional Representative.
Q: Does the matter you are concerned about involve you?
A: Due to privacy laws, Congresswoman Dingell must have the written consent of her constituent in order to make an official inquiry. If the matter involves you, please contact our local office at 313-278-2936 to obtain a privacy release form.
Q: What is a privacy release form and why is it required?
A: Under the Privacy Act of 1974, federal agencies require a Member of Congress to have a written and signed letter before intervening on a constituent's behalf. A "privacy release form" (PRF) allows us to make a congressional inquiry to a federal agency. The form must be signed by the person directly affected (federal agencies do NOT typically accept electronic signatures), and it must contain all pertinent information.
Q: What will the Congresswoman be able to do after I complete and sign this form?
A: My office will initiate an inquiry with the relevant federal agency and provide all supporting documentation, where applicable. My staff and I will do our best to facilitate the casework process, and ensure a fair and timely review of your case. Federal agencies respond to congressional inquiries within 30 days based on the nature of the inquiry. As a general rule, federal agencies will not expedite your case based on a congressional inquiry without supporting documentation to support the claim of expedite. Each agency has a set of specific criteria that my staff will discuss with you.
Q: Does your case involve a federal agency?
A: As a federal representative, Congresswoman Dingell is able to make inquiries of federal agencies. If your case involves state, county or local government, your public school district or other public agencies, please visit www.michigan.gov.
Q: Is your situation a legal dispute?
A: As a member of the Legislative Branch, Congresswoman Dingell is unable to become involved in court cases or legal issues. This restriction is due to the separation of powers as outlined in the Constitution. This restriction applies to both civil and criminal matters.
Q: What assistance can you expect from my office?
A: Congresswoman Dingell’s office is here to assist constituents with matters involving a federal agency. Although my office cannot guarantee or assure a specific outcome regarding your case, I can make inquiries as to the status of your case, obtain additional information, cut through the red tape or direct you to appropriate services and resources. My goal is to assure you a fair and full review of your case. The Congresswoman's role is to assure you a fair and thorough review of your case and to seek a timely response from the agency. If you are still unsure whether Congresswoman Dingell can assist you with your case, please contact the district office at 313-278-2936 to discuss your matter with a member of my staff.
