"Why can't we get these phone calls forwarded from the House office?"

Documents can also be delivered by hand to all Companies House offices during office working hours.

The term "volunteer" means an individual performing services in a House office without compensation from any source.

The House office keeps track of people who try to influence Congress.

Another example concerns the delivery of perishable food, such as pizza, to a House office for consumption by staff.

Mail to House offices face delays of approximately 6-9 business days, though at times the delay may be even longer.

The average House office had a 64.2 percent retention rate during that time, the study found.

House offices will remain closed on Wednesday, with no indication of when they may reopen.

"It certainly would have made my life easier 18 months ago," she said in an interview at her State House office.

"I was wondering if you could spare the time to come across to the House office, sir, and get me five pounds from my account?"