CONTACTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Most of you know how to contact members of Congress, but sometimes we forget or lose telephone numbers or addresses.   Here is a refresher.

The easiest way to contact a members office is by telephone.  If you do not know the members telephone number, you can simply call the capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.  Then simply ask for the members office.  Most of the time you will speak to a staff person.  Very seldom do you get to speak to the member in person.

Writing members is another good way to make your feelings known.  Your letter should be about one or two subjects.  Keep it as short as possible and to the point.  One page is best.  Address letters to Senators:  The Honorable (use full name), United States Senate, Washington, D.C., 20510.  For Representatives:  The Honorable (use full name), United States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515.

The same guidelines apply when e-mailing a member as when sending a letter.  Generally, unless a member is from your district, they usually ignore your e-mail or dump them.  Your own representatives will respond better if you include your regular mailing address in your e-mail and a phone number.  They might just want to talk to you.  Of course, Senators are state-wide so if they were elected from your state they might read your e-mail during the two years previous to their term being up and they are running for re-election.  This is called the 4 plus 2 response.

We really encourage everyone to become more active calling and writing your Senators and Congressmen.  They are not hearing enough from the rural areas and from real farmers and ranchers.  They are hearing from the commodity groups who are taking your hard earned check-off funds and telling members what ever they want—most of the time not in your best interest.  This is why we must get more involved in the political side of the farming and ranching business.