Writing to Your Legislator

Personal letters are the basic tool for expressing your views to your Representative. Telegrams and mailgrams can be used when timing becomes crucial on the action of a bill. All members of the House and Senate can be reached using the following addresses:

U.S. SENATOR (or U.S. REPRESENTATIVE)
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate (or United States House of Representatives)
Washington, DC 20510 (or Washington, DC 20515)

Dear Senator "lastname": (or Dear Representative "lastname"):

When contacting a member of Congress about a legislative issue, it is important to remember the following:

1. Keep your comments short and to the point. Cover only one issue per letter.

2. Use personal stationery and write legibly or type.

3. When writing about legislation identify the subject clearly. Use the House and Senate bill number and sponsor, if available.

4. State your reason for writing. Explain how the issue affects you, your program or your practice choices. Personal anecdotes are particularly effective.

5. Be polite but firm. Do not use threats or wave the power of your vote.

6. Take a position and ask your Representative/Senator's position on the issue.

7. Avoid cliches that give your letter the appearance of a form letter.