Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, has returned more than $3 million owed to constituents by the federal government, the freshman lawmaker announced earlier this month.
In a Nov. 1 news release, Gluesenkamp Perez said her office has worked to solve more than 1,700 constituent cases. The efforts of her office have returned a total of $3,000,460.
“My bipartisan team has now brought more than $3 million back home to more than 1,700 constituents facing difficulties with a federal agency — from veterans benefits to hard-earned social security checks to delayed tax refunds,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “We’ve also served nearly 100 folks through 14 mobile office hours held across every county in Washington’s Third District.”
In the statement, Gluesenkamp Perez highlighted several non-financial ways her office has worked to aid constituents, including helping posthumously secure a Prisoner of War Medal to honor a World War II veteran. Last month, her office helped secure a visa for the wife of Peter Atem, a Sudanese refugee and member of the Lost Boys who now works for Lewis County, after nearly five years of delays.
“Reaching out isn’t only about your fight with one agency — it’s also about helping me hear about systemic issues affecting our community so I can fight for a more responsive federal government,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “Having run a small business, I know how profoundly frustrating it can be to engage with a federal agency and not get quick or helpful responses. There’s no problem that’s too small, so I encourage you to please reach out if you need us to advocate for you.”
Those seeking assistance are invited to call at 360-695-6292, visit Gluesenkampperez.house.gov/contact or stop by in person at the Gluesenkamp Perez’s offices in Vancouver or Kelso.
