Contacting Congress – Telephone Calls

Basics of Calling Congress

Phone calls are effective in delivering information quickly and directly, especially on days of key votes. Visit the member’s website to find their telephone number.

• State your position and ask what position the elected official is taking.
• Be prepared to explain how the issue will affect your practice and the legislator’s constituents. Need help? Check the AAP’s website for talking points.

Calling the District Office

• While the District staff may be less influential in terms of legislation compared to the DC staff, they are more accessible to constituents.
• Establish a good relationship with the District Director to influence policy. The District office staff is responsible for constituent services.

Calling the Washington, DC Office

• When you call the Washington, DC office, ask to speak with the health legislative aide.
• Remind the aide that you are a constituent and how many people you see with chronic conditions and disabilities.
• Try to develop a dialogue that will allow you to call back in the future. Encourage your congressional staff contact to call you as a resource for information.

Other Methods for Contacting Congress

• In Person – in person meetings are the most effective.
• Email – Email is particularly effective if you communicate directly through a staff’s individual email address, or if you are mobilizing a large number of people through the legislator’s website.
• Letter Writing – Use letters primarily to accompany information packets, articles, etc. because postal mail arrives slowly to Capitol Hill offices.
• Fax – While an old school method, faxed letters can be effective as they are likely to be given to the legislative staff immediately.