Influencing Congress

Most of us are more than willing to say what we think our elected officials should or should not be doing. However, few of us have confidence in our ability to actually influence their actions. In short, we do not think our voice counts. While government is composed of human beings and thus may not always act rationally, our elected officials do respond to public sentiment. Unfortunately, it is easier for us to believe the contrary since that absolves us of the responsibility to make our voices heard.

You Have the Power, Speak Up! Each of us not only has the right, but the responsibility, to let our elected officials know how we feel about issues that are important to us. Because you can offer personal experiences as well as a unique perspective on important issues affecting you, your community, or your business, you are an invaluable source of information for Members of Congress. What's more, you are a voice at the ballot box, and that’s a quality that all elected officials value highly. If elected officials don’t listen to their constituents, they are defeated on Election Day. This short manual seeks to equip you, the average citizen, with the basic tools to ensure that when you talk, your elected officials in Washington listen. You should expect nothing less. They are your representatives, after all.

While every citizen can talk to Congress, some voices are heard better than others. Effective lobbying requires preparation. If you do not do your homework, you run the risk of not saying the right thing to the right person at the right time. Or even worse, without preparation, you might say the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time.  Please refer to the below resources for more information on the United States Congress.

• How Congress Works
  To download a PDF version of this section of the web site, click here.
• Communicating With Congress
  To download a PDF version of this section of the web site, click here.
• Emailing Your Member of Congress
• Congressional Budget Process
• Congressional Veto Override Procedure (CRS Document)