Tips
on telephoning Congress:
To find your senators' and
representative's phone numbers, you may use a searchable online congressional directory or
call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators'
and/or representative's office.
Remember that
telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of
Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish
to comment.
After identifying
yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as:
"Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose
(S.___/H.R.___)."
You will also
want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your
senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a
written response to your telephone call.
Sample telephone
call
Tips on writing
Congress:
A letter or email is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional
office. Visit the How to Contact Your
Member of Congress page to be connected to your Congressman's direct email link.
If you decide to write a letter or email, this list of helpful suggestions will
improve the its effectiveness:
Your purpose for
writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter
pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g.,
House bill: (H. R. ____), Senate bill: (S.____).
Be courteous, to
the point, and include key information using examples to support your position.
Address only one
issue in each letter and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
Sample letter