It's
Your Right
Remember that telephone
calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member
of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles
veterans issues.
After identifying yourself
and the organization you represent, tell the aide you
would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please
tell Senator or Representative (Name) that I support (or
oppose) (S.XXX or H.R. XXX)."
You will also want to state
reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask
for your Senator's or Representative's position on the
bill. You may also request a written response to your
telephone call.
Many people believe their letters to Congress aren't even
read. This simply isn't true. You can be certain your
letter will be read by an aide or the Representative --
and answered. The U.S. mail is one of the best ways for
you to stay in touch with elected officials at any level
-- federal, state, county, or local.
If you decide
to write a letter, these suggestions will improve the
effectiveness of the letter:
1) State your
purpose for writing in the first paragraph of the letter.
If your letter pertains to a specific piece of
legislation, identify it accordingly.
2) Be
courteous, to the point, and include key information,
using examples to support your position, if this
information is available to you.
3) Focus on
only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the
letter to one page.
4) Ask that your member of
Congress respond in writing to your concerns.
Addressing
Correspondence
To a Senator:
The Honorable (Full Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
To a Representative:
The Honorable (Full Name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative (last
name):
Make an
Appointment:
Contact the appointment secretary or scheduler in advance
and explain the purpose of your visit and who you
represent. It is easier to arrange a meeting if they know
what you wish to discuss. Telephone to confirm the
appointment before you visit.
Be
Prompt and Patient:
You should be punctual and be patient. It is not uncommon
for a member of Congress to be late, or to have a meeting
interrupted. If interruptions do occur, be flexible. Don't
be surprised if your meeting is with a member's staff.
Be
Prepared:
Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and
materials to support your position. In some instances, a
member of Congress may lack important details about the
pros and cons of a particular matter. It is therefore
helpful to share with the member information and examples
that demonstrate clearly the impact or benefits
associated with a particular issue or piece of
legislation.
Be
Responsive:
Be prepared to answer questions or indicate that you will
refer the question to your national staff to answer or
provide additional information, in the event the member
expresses interest or asks questions.
Keep in
Touch:
Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that
outlines the different points convered during the meeting.
Let your national stff know of any important matters that
were discussed or if they need to follow up with the
member of Congress or staff.
Below is a link to an important legislative site, the
legislative area available on the Disabled
American Veterans
national web site. Input your zip code, and the site will look up who your
representatives are in Congress, and help you send an email message or letter
concerning veteran's issues.