Letters to Congress

So, you're going to write your Congressman? Good idea. Make it a good letter.

People who think members of Congress pay little or no attention to constituent mail, are plain wrong.
Concise, well thought out personal letters are one of the most effective ways Americans have of
influencing law-makers. But, members of Congress get hundreds of letters and emails every day.
Whether you choose to use the Postal Service or email, here are some tips that will help your letter
have impact.

Think Locally
It's usually best to send letters to the Representative from your local Congressional District or the
Senators from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not -- and that fact alone carries a lot of
weight. It also helps personalize your letter. Sending the same "cookie-cutter" message to every
member of Congress may grab attention but rarely much consideration.

Keep It Simple
Your letter should address a single topic or issue. Typed, one-page letters are best. Many PACs
(Political Action Committees) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this:

1. Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials." (If you want a
response, you must include your name and address, even when using email.)
2. Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. Provide specific rather than general
information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite
the correct title or number whenever possible.
3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in
general policy.

The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples.

Addressing Members of Congress

To Your Senator:

The Honorable (full name)

(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To Your Representative:

The Honorable (full name)

(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:
When writing to the Chairperson of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman

Dear Madam Chairwoman

Dear Mr. Speaker

Dear Madam Speaker

The above addresses should be used in email messages, as well as those sent through the Postal
Service.

Finding Their Addresses

Senate and House of Representatives
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=CA
http://usgovinfo.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/congress/
conemail.txt
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#ca
http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Edistrict_query.asp
http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/

To Conclude
Here are some key things you should always and never do in writing to your elected representatives.

Always

1. Be courteous and respectful without "gushing."

2. Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it
correctly. If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative
Information System.
3. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct
name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name
and address, you will not get a response.
4. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those
pertaining to the subject of your letter.
5. Keep your letter short -- one page is best.
6. Use specific examples or evidence to support your position.
7. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action.
8. Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.

Never

1. Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. The first two are just plain rude and the third one can
get you a visit from the Secret Service. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in the
way of making your point,
2. Fail to include your name and address, even in email letters.
3. Demand a response.

Identifying Legislation
Cite these legislation identifiers when writing to members of Congress:

House Bills: "H.R._____"

House Resolutions: "H.RES._____"
House Joint Resolutions: "H.J.RES._____"
Senate Bills: "S._____"
Senate Resolutions: "S.RES._____"
Senate Joint Resolutions: "S.J.RES._____"

Daily Schedule and Agenda of Congress

http://usgovinfo.about.com/bllegday.htm
Updated every day Congress is in session. Also includes votes, bills considered, and other
information on the U.S. Congress.

Taken from: http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa020199.htm

CALTRANS
http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Edistrict_query.asp
SAMPLE LETTER TO CONGRESS
http://www.cvt.org/file.php?ID=5247

The Center for Victims of Torture

Sample Letters to Congress
SAMPLE LETTER TO U.S. SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES
If you are contacting your member of Congress in Washington D.C., it is best to fax, call
or use e-mail since mail is taking several weeks to be delivered due to security concerns.
You can find the contact information for your elected officials by using your home zip
code in CVT’s Elected Official Finder at
http://www.cvt.org/main.php/Advocacy/HelpEndTortureNow/WhatYouCanDo.

Dear Senator/Representative [Name]:

I am writing to express my dismay at the reports by journalists and government officials of

inhuman treatment, torture and even deaths of detainees held in U.S. custody in Iraq, Afghanistan
and Guantanamo Bay. It is clear we have deviated from the basic American value of humane
treatment. That is why I am asking you to support clear, detailed guidelines for all U.S. personnel
on acceptable interrogation procedures, and to stop the practice of sending prisoners to countries
that use torture. I support an Executive Order by President Bush to stop the practice of sending
detainees to countries that use torture and to make the 1992 Army Field Manual on interrogations
the minimum standard for all U.S. personnel of all detainees held anywhere in the world. The
Army Field Manual was written by military interrogators and contains the wisdom and
experience of generations of military personnel.

I also urge you to create an independent commission to investigate all reports of torture, cruel,
inhuman and degrading treatment by U.S. personnel. Such a commission should have the power
to hold hearings and issue subpoenas. Finally, as called for by the UN Convention Against
Torture, I ask that the U.S. fulfill its obligation of providing legal remedies and as full a
rehabilitation as possible for the victims of torture.

If America is to remain a forceful advocate by pointing out major human rights abuses of other
governments, especially torture, we must show the world we are ready to live up to our own high
standards by thoroughly investigating all reports of abuse and holding those responsible
accountable. Torture is illegal and un-American. To spread freedom and democracy abroad, the
U.S. must show the world it can do so while holding firm to our belief in the basic human right
not to be tortured.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Home Address]