Communicating With Congress

The anthrax attacks on our nation's Capitol have understandably resulted in a policy of not opening incoming mail at the Capitol. You'll find advice on this Website to encourage you to write your Representatives. You'll also find some informative sample letters giving you an example of how to draft your own letter. However, for the foreseeable future communicate with your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives via the US mail is not going to be effective.

A personal phone call or visit is the most effective form of communication. Also once you have contact with one of your representative’s staff email and fax communication is also very effective. Emails and faxes should be addressed to a specific person that recognizes you, and the subject heading should be personal (follow up on our 1/15 conversation about the Health Advocates).

So call or visit with your Senator and Congressman or Congresswoman instead of writing a letter. Then use personal email notes and faxes to stay in touch between telephone conversations and meetings.