Many South Jersey families have concerns about the current H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak and what they can do in their homes and communities to stay healthy and avoid catching the flu. The following page has important health information, resources and best practices for protecting your family.

One of the most important jobs for a Member of Congress is to contact departments and agencies of the United States Government on behalf of constituents. My Mays Landing office can be helpful to residents of the Second District of New Jersey who need assistance in their dealings with a federal agency. Constitutents who have a request can contact my district office, toll free, at 1-800-471-4450.

The Privacy Act requires that before a Member of Congress can contact a federal department or agency, the constituent must provide a signed written authorization to permit the inquiry to be made. This rule cannot be waived and must be adhered to before any approach can be made.

The following examples show how a Member of Congress can assist with inquiries at agencies:

• If your Social Security check has been lost or there is a question with respect to benefits.
• If you have lost a military medal or are seeking copies of military records.
• If your Medicare billing is incorrect or you do not understand why a decision was made.
• If you are applying for a license from the Federal Communications Commission.
• If there is some problem with respect to your VA benefits.
• Expediting passport requests from the State Department.