Tips on Communicating with Congress

For sample letters, see our Statements, Letters and Testimony Page

1. Keep your letter brief, focus on only one subject
2. State your position up front and back it up in the remainder of your letter
3. Cite any bills by name and number
4. Address possible consequences of the proposed legislation and offer a better solution if possible
5. Thank your member of Congress for their support
6. End with a personal closing, such as an invitation to your lab at their convenience

The suggested address style is:

The Honorable [name]

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable [name]

United States House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

To obtain the names, telephone, and fax of your Senators and Representative, access the web site http://www.visi.com/juan/congress. You may also call Capitol Hill: Senate operator: 202/224-3121; House Operator: 202/225-3121.