A Letter Writers' Guide to Congress
This article was written as giving advice for writing to a Federal legislative person. It also applies to State legislators.
Today's Congressional work schedule no longer permits the frequent and extended visits back home that used to keep Members of Congress in close personal touch with their constituents. As a result, LETTERS from home have become the main form of voter contact and the prime source of constituency views. Your Senators and Representatives NEED to hear from you.
Write on your personal or business letterhead, if possible, and sign your name over your typed signature at the end of the message.
Be sure your exact return address and date, is on the letter, not just on the envelope. Envelopes sometimes get thrown away before the letter is answered.
Identify your subject clearly. State the name of the legislation you are writing about. Give the House or Senate bill number, if you know it.
State your reason for writing. Your own personal experience is your best supporting evidence. Explain how the issue would affect you, or your family, business, or profession - or what effect it could have on your state or community.
Avoid stereotyped phrases and sentences that give the appearance of "form" letters. They tend to identify your message as part of an organized pressure campaign - and produce little or no impact.
Be reasonable. Don't ask for the impossible. Don't threaten. Don't say "I'll never vote for you unless you do such and such." That will not help your cause; it may even harm it.
Ask your legislator to state his position on the issue in his reply. As his constituent, you're entitled to know.
Consider the factor of timing. Try to write your position on a bill while it is in committee. Your Senators and Representatives can usually be more responsive to your appeal at that time rather than later on when the bill has already been approved by a committee. Of course, this is not always the case. Sometimes your legislator may reserve judgment - and his vote - until sentiment of his constituency has crystallized.
Thank your legislator if he pleases you with his vote on an issue. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter - and remembers it. On the other hand, if his vote is contrary to your position, don't hesitate to let him know it (politely). He will remember that too.
- Chamber of Commence of the United States