Contacting Your Member of Congress

One of the most important ways the AHC can be effective on Capitol Hill is for Members of Congress to hear from our members, their constituents. There are several very important ways of letting Members of Congress know of horse industry concerns, including writing letters, making telephone calls and personal visits. Here are some tips when contacting a Member of Congress. Find out who your Senator is here and who your Representative is here.

Writing To a Member
Due to security precautions, postal service for Congress is often delayed by several weeks. In order to make sure your representative receives your letter in a timely fashion, you may want to consider faxing your letter to their offices.

You should identify yourself, what your equine activities are, where you live, who you represent, the number of employees you may have and any information that indicates your economic size.

Your purpose for writing should be stated early in your letter. If your letter refers to a specific piece of legislation, identify it, e.g., House bill: H.R.____, Senate Bill: S.____. Make your points 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. The address is:

U.S. Senate:
The Honorable ____________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator ______________,

U.S. House of Representatives:
The Honorable ____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative _______________,

Personal Visits
Make an appointment. Explain your purpose and who you represent. It is easier for congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss.

Be prepared. Whenever possible, demonstrate the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the Member’s constituency.

Be responsive. Be prepared to answer questions. If you can’t, offer to provide additional information later. Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that outlines the different points covered during the meeting and send along any additional information and materials requested.

Remember you can visit your Representative either in Washington, back in the district office in your state or at many of the Town Hall Meetings held by Representatives in their district.