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Missing war medals. A government clerical error withdrawing money from your bank account. The IRS refusing to release your returns.

These are just a handful of the frustrations I’ve heard from Ohioans in my first 20 months representing the Second District. Most Ohioans avoid dealing with the federal government whenever possible. Unfortunately bureaucratic incompetence just can’t be averted sometimes.

But when hardworking taxpayers can’t get their tax return, when veterans get the run around from the VA, and when seniors are denied Social Security after paying in for decades, my office can help.

Yes, much of my job keeps me in DC at committee hearings and voting on the House floor. However the most rewarding part of serving you is the help I can provide here at home. With a professional team of dedicated caseworkers and field representatives across the Second District, your Congressional office is working day in and day out for you.

In its current state, our federal government is a bastion of bureaucracy, a vast web of rules and regulations that even the most seasoned paper pusher can’t consistently navigate. Dealing with federal agencies can be both confusing and frustrating for the average American. It can be nearly impossible to get the help you need.

We have opened over a thousand cases on behalf of Ohioans, many after trying to conquer the sprawling maze of bureaucratic agencies alone. We are happy to help any Second District constituent in need of assistance. Every case and outcome is different. Below are some of our recent successes on behalf of Ohioans. Working for our veterans makes up a big part, especially in light of the VA’s current state. One of my constituents, a local Vietnam veteran, went to the Cleveland VA for a heart procedure only to have it cancelled upon his arrival! After three months of waiting and no word from the VA, he contacted my office hoping that we could assist him. As a result of our inquiry, this veteran was scheduled for immediate surgery with an out-of-VA provider.

Still other constituents were battling the federal government for long-awaited refunds. Recently, the Social Security Administration took $24,000 from a Cincinnati resident due to a clerical error following her husband’s death. After six months of struggling on her own, our office was able to quickly resolve her case.

Similarly, the IRS owed a Cincinnati couple over $10,000 since 2012 and was refusing to return the money due to administrative reasons. We contacted the IRS on their behalf and were able to secure their refund, with interest.

And other times, we help honor and recognize those who served. One local Ohioan served our nation in Korea, but never received proper recognition. After a call from his son, we secured his long overdue honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart Award, and eight others.

Not every issue has a fast resolution, and there are some tough cases. If you would like our assistance on a federal issue, please do not hesitate to call us at (513) 474-7777 or email me at Wenstrup.House.gov. Do not battle the federal government alone; my staff and I are here to help. We are truly at your service!