Communicating with Elected Federal Officials
Tips on Telephoning Your Elected Federal Official
To find your senators' and representatives' phone numbers you may
use our find your representative or call 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 representatives' position on the bill.
You may also request a written response to your telephone call.
Tips on Writing Congress
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a
congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful
suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:
- 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.
Addressing Correspondence:
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm #) ___(name of) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm #) ___(name of) House Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of
the House, it is proper to address them as:
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
or Dear Mr. or Madam Speaker:
Tips for Emailing Congress
Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to Congress.
When using an electronic service, it is always best practice to use your own words.
LSS Privacy Statement This page was updated on March 9, 2007 by CP&A.
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