Opinion

How I can help

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Serving Nebraska's Third Congressional District has been one of the most exciting opportunities of my life. Beyond representing Nebraskans on legislative matters in Washington D.C., a significant part of my job is helping to improve our government's accessibility and responsiveness when addressing the needs of Third District residents.

My office is proud to be a source of information, assistance, and reference, referring constituents to the correct federal agency and providing additional resources and materials as needed.

While I cannot override the decisions or policies of these agencies, I can help you overcome the barriers and roadblocks brought about by red tape, which are too often the hallmarks of government. Contact information for my office is included below.

Nebraskans can also contact me through my web site: www.adriansmith.house.gov. If I can be of any assistance in any of the following areas, please don't hesitate to ask.

Social Security/Medicare assistance -- Dealing with the Social Security Administration or seeking Medicare assistance can often be frustrating. If you have questions or difficulties I will be happy to work with you to ensure you get the answers you need.

Passport assistance -- With the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiatives (WHTI) taking effect this summer, travelers should expect delays when applying for a passport. If you experience any delays or problems with securing your passport, please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.

Guidance with applying for federal grants -- Finding and applying for grants can be challenging, but I can assist with the process, providing information on finding key funding and sources providing tips for writing a successful grant application. A booklet to make the process simpler and more successful for you and your organization can be found at www.adriansmith.house.gov.

Financial aid for students -- I can help guide you through the process of requesting federal student loans and other forms of financial aid. Earlier this year I hosted Paying for College 101, a seminar which provided parents, students, and educators the latest information on financial aid for post-secondary education. If you like more information on options available to you, please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.

Other services I am pleased to provide:

Visiting Washington, D.C. -- My office arranges tours of the U.S. Capitol for groups of any size. Tours of the Capitol led by a member of my staff are available, and requests to tour the White House can also be made through my office. Due to popularity and security concerns, requests are considered by the White House on a "first come, first served basis" and must be requested at least one month in advance. Tours of the Pentagon, Library of Congress, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the Kennedy Center also can be reserved through my office.

U.S. Service Academy nominations -- As a Member of Congress, each year I have the privilege of nominating candidates to one of the U.S. Service Academies. Applicants for nomination must be between the ages of 17 and 23, U.S. citizens, unmarried, and residents of the Third Congressional District. Applicants also must meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the respective Academy. Contact my Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333 or send an e-mail to Academy.Smith@mail.house.gov to request more information.

Serving Nebraskans is the most rewarding part of my job. Whether planning a family vacation to Washington, D.C. or needing assistance working with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime. I am here to help.

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  • You just keep doing what you're doing, and maybe ramp it up a notch. Fight for smaller government, even though you know you're going to get steamrolled, because it's important to keep the message alive.

    I've been watching the voting records of all of my political representatives, communicating with them, and noting their responses (or lack thereof), and it looks like you'll be the ONLY one who gets my vote next time around.

    -- Posted by Owen McPhillips on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, at 6:31 PM
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