Skip navigation.

 

What is Casework?

Before you contact my office for assistance with a case, you should determine if your problem is something my office has the authority and purview to help you with. The information and examples below can help you decide.

I can help you if your problem is with a federal agency.

Federal Agency Assistance

A federal agency , as the term implies, is an organization that is part of the federal government. These agencies are either:

  • part of the President's cabinet, like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), since it is under the Department of the Treasury, or
  • independent agencies, like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

If you are unsure if your problem involves a federal agency, visit the White House website as well as individual agency pages for more information.

If you are having trouble solving a problem you are having with a federal agency, I may be able to assist you in working with the agency. While I can't ask the agency to do anything which they are unable to do under law or regulations, I can make sure that all of your rights are respected and that errors in procedure are corrected.

Unfortunately, I am unable to assist you if your problem is not with a federal agency.

Judicial Matters

Because of the Constitutional separation of powers between the three branches of government, judicial matters (matters that involve the courts) do not fall under my purview as a U.S. Senator. Examples of judicials matters are:

  • child custody
  • divorce
  • criminal trials or imprisonment


State Government Issues

Problems that involve New Mexico State agencies also are not under my purview as a United States Senator. Examples of such problems include:

  • child support
  • motor vehicle registration or loss of license
  • welfare
  • state taxes

For these problems, you should contact the Lieutenant Governor's Office for assistance at 1-800-432-4406 or the Governor's Office at (505) 476-2200.

 

CASEWORK AT A GLANCE

  • Involves a federal government agency
  • Cannot assist with judicial matters
  • Cannot assist with state government matters

COMMON CASEWORK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Although every case is unique, some questions arise frequently. Check this list of common casework questions to see if it might hold a quick answer for you.  [MORE]

FEDERAL AGENCY LINKS

Many questions you have might be answered on the website for the agency with which you are dealing. [MORE]

PREPARE TO OPEN A CASE

Prepare to open a case with my office and become aware of the steps you may have to follow with different agencies. [MORE]

OPEN A CASE WITH MY OFFICE

Open a case with one of my New Mexico offices so my staff can investigate the problem on your behalf.  [MORE]

A photo of the front entrance to my office in Albuquerque, showing an awning over a wide set of glass doors. This photo is also a link to the OFFICE ADDRESSES

I maintain five offices in New Mexico and one in Washington, DC. [MORE]