News

Rep. Edwards launches Dodge Ram constituent service van

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 9, 2023

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards announced on Thursday that he is bringing a mobile constituent-services office to Western North Carolina.

In his continued focus on assisting folks in North Carolina’s 11th District who need help with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security and the IRS, as well as with passport and immigration matters, Edwards will have the only mobile constituent services office in the entire U.S. House of Representatives.

The mobile office, a Thor Dodge Ram Sprinter Class B van, will travel to all 15 counties in the 11th District. Locations and hours will be announced on the website Edwards.house.gov, in local news outlets, and on social media.

“The rural and vast geography of NC-11 presents some unique challenges for my office to serve its citizens, so my team and I have developed a unique solution,” Edwards said in a news release. “In the few weeks I’ve had the privilege to serve the people of Western North Carolina, I’ve come to realize we can help and listen to anyone as long as they have access to a phone. And the days of renting space and staffing it in the back room of a courthouse is highly inefficient and problematic. I’d rather my staff and I continue to make ourselves available by phone from a central location, then we will carry our services to constituents using this creative and more efficient method.”

While there has been a handful of mobile offices used by members of Congress in the past, Edwards has revived and reimagined the concept to try and bring more and better services to WNC.

Edwards has asked for constituents’ assistance in naming the mobile office. Anyone who would like to participate can go to Edwards.House.Gov/nameit, fill out the form and make a suggestion. The winning name will be announced March 1.