How are Congressional and other official inquiries about patent applications handled?

Congressional and other official inquiries about patent applications are handled through specific channels at the USPTO. According to MPEP 203.08(a):

Correspondence and inquiries from the White House, Members of Congress, embassies, and heads of Executive departments and agencies normally are cleared by the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs and/or the Office of Governmental Affairs.

This procedure ensures uniformity in handling contacts from these sources and compliance with Department of Commerce directives. Specific instructions are provided for transmitting such inquiries to the appropriate offices within the USPTO.

For more information on USPTO procedures, visit: USPTO procedures.