Congressman Mackenzie Announces Over $20 Million Returned to Constituents Through Federal Casework

Image October 1, 2026 Press Release BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie announced that his office has helped return $20.7 million to constituents across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos through federal casework and assistance since taking office. Of the $20.7 million returned since taking office, $10.3 million was returned to constituents in 2025, and more than $10.4 million has already been returned so far in 2026. Congressman Mackenzie and his constituent services team work directly with residents to navigate federal agencies, resolve outstanding issues, and recover money owed to them. The office assists constituents with issues involving the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, passports, immigration matters, and other federal agencies. “Helping people cut through red tape and get the answers, benefits, and money they are owed is one of the most important services our office provides,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Reaching $20 million returned to constituents represents thousands of individual cases where our team was able to step in and help someone who did not know where else to turn. Whether it is a delayed tax refund, Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, or another issue with a federal agency, our offices are here to help people throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.” For constituents like James A. Bestider of Lehighton, assistance from Congressman Mackenzie’s office helped resolve a reimbursement that had been severely delayed. “After months of frustration trying to have a government agency reimburse me thousands of dollars in overpayment, I reached out to Congressman Ryan Mackenzie’s office for assistance,” said Bestider. “Congressman Mackenzie and his staff were able to procure my reimbursement in a timely manner. I am a retired senior citizen on a fixed budget, and I am deeply grateful for Congressman Mackenzie and his staff for helping me and my family resolve this issue.” John Yaswinski of Nazareth contacted the office after an IRS refund had remained unresolved for nearly a year. With assistance from Congressman Mackenzie’s office, the refund was returned within weeks. The office also helped Yaswinski secure a Social Security appointment as he considered retirement. “Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for Congressman Mackenzie and Ms. Pasquariello’s assistance in securing my IRS refund in such a timely manner,” said Yaswinski. “My IRS refund sat in limbo for the better part of a year prior to contacting the Congressman’s office. Within a few weeks, my refund was returned. Their care, attention, and service to me are unmatched by any elected official I have known. They really went above and beyond.” For John Tegan of Palmerton, the office helped resolve issues surrounding his federal retirement after he left the General Services Administration. Congressman Mackenzie’s staff contacted the agency on his behalf, helped move his application to the Office of Personnel Management for review, and continued following up until his retirement package was completed. “Rochelle and Congressman Mackenzie’s office provided continuing follow-up and attention to make sure the matter was resolved,” said Tegan. “Rochelle also offered support and empathy for my situation.” Mary Hittinger of Walnutport also turned to the office for assistance recovering money owed by the IRS. “I am very appreciative for the assistance we received from Congressman Mackenzie, Rochelle, and the rest of the office staff in recovering money owed to us from the IRS,” said Hittinger. “Their assistance made such a meaningful difference, and we sincerely appreciated their support. It’s so nice to know that we have a congressman who’s always there for us.” Since taking office, Congressman Mackenzie’s team has: Returned $20.7 million to constituents through federal casework and assistance; Completed more than 11,000 constituent services, including casework, meetings, tours, and other assistance; and Responded to more than 291,000 constituent letters and emails. Bringing home over $160 million to support local health care, first responders, manufacturing, and more. Securing more than $12 million in FY26 Community Project Funding for public safety, infrastructure, first responders, and other local priorities across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos Congressman Mackenzie has offices in Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties, as well as a downtown Allentown office offering Spanish-language services by appointment. The office also holds mobile office hours throughout the region to make federal constituent services accessible to residents across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. Constituents experiencing difficulties with a federal agency can contact Congressman Mackenzie’s office for assistance at https://mackenzie.house.gov/contact/email-me .