Note well: In the past, often times, when the federal injured workers went to their congressional representatives for help they were brow beaten by staffers and other times by the congressional representatives. This time around, you have the reference material that tells them, that under the provisions of this material, the US Constitution and a Supreme Court decision, they are required to help you. It is suggested that you hand carry this material to your congressional representatives office. Don't be surprised if they do not know that this material exists.
Members and staff of the House often assist constituents in their dealings with administrative agencies by acting as facilitators or ``ombudsmen.'' Members may properly communicate with agencies on behalf of constituents:
* to request information or status reports;
* to urge prompt consideration of a matter based on the merits of the case;
* to arrange for appointments;
* to express judgment on a matter (subject to ex parte communication rules); and/or
* to ask for reconsideration, based on law and regulation, of an administrative decision.
The Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to petition the Government for redress of grievances. (FOOTNOTE 4)
The most logical point of contact is one's elected representative. Furthermore, Members of Congress continually must monitor Government programs and the administration of public laws. Given the unique role of a congressman in the American constitutional scheme, it is not surprising, as the Supreme Court has recognized, that ``[s]erving constituents and supporting legislation that will benefit the district and individuals and groups therein is the everyday business of a legislator.'' (FOOTNOTE 5)
(FOOTNOTE 4) U.S. Const., amend. I.
(FOOTNOTE 5) McCormick v. United States, 111 S. Ct. 1807, 1816 (1991)...