Senate Committee Passes Bill to Modernize Constituent Services Process

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed a bill to streamline congressional offices’ process in reaching federal agencies on behalf of constituents. The Creating Advanced Streamlined Electronic Services for Constituents act would allow constituents to electronically authorize their representation in congressional offices for engagements with federal agencies, the office of Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said Wednesday. 

The bipartisan bill would update a provision under the existing Privacy Act to grant constituents this option and reduce the need for written authorization.

“When the American taxpayers we represent need assistance with social security, medicare, veteran affairs or any other federal agency, they should be able to get the help and information they need quickly and in a straightforward manner,” said Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who co-introduced the bill with Portman.