CDFA - Legislative Contacting Congress

How to Contact Your Member of Congress...

The following page provides resources for CDFA members and interested stakeholders to use when contacting members of Congress. This page also provides some tips for better communication between Congressional offices and constituents. CDFA asks that those who contact Congressional offices to addresses CDFA issues also notify CDFA of these actions. CDFA will then follow up with necessary measures to ensure that our grassroots legislative efforts are heard on Capitol Hill.

Web Based Resources

United States Senate: http://www.senate.gov

United States House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov

The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Office of Management & Budget: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb

Congressional Budget Office: http://www.cbo.gov

Thomas Legislative Information on the Internet: http://thomas.loc.gov

Tips for Communication with Congress

Email and Fax are Best – The quickest and most efficient way to communicate with your Congressional office is to fax or email your correspondence. Due to security measures, regular post mail can take up to six weeks to arrive on Capitol Hill. Most offices are happy to give constituents the email and fax number for sending in communications. When items are faxed or emailed, it is always prudent to follow up with a phone call to ensure that the item was properly received. Congressional offices get a large amount of correspondence daily so it is best to follow up with a quick call. Phone Calls are Effective – A well-placed (and well-timed) phone call can be very effective. Individuals with personal relationships with Congressional offices should not hesitate to make a quick phone call seeking support for a bill or encouraging action on a piece of legislation. Watch out for leaving voice messages that are too long as they are less effective. Demand to speak to the direct staff person in charge of the issue area you are addressing. It is also very helpful to remind the person you are talking that you are a constituent (and therefore a voter) in the member’s district/state. Special attention is always given to constituents in the member’s district/state.

Let Other Know of Your Actions – If you are calling a Congressional office on behalf of another organization, coalition, or association, always communicate y to the corresponding group your actions. If you send a letter or email, copy the group’s legislative representatives to create redundancy and to keep the line of communication open. Many times the legislative staff of the group will follow-up with a phone call or email to see if the Congressional offices needs more info or help.

No Effort is Too Small – Your legislative message can go far. No organization or person should consider themselves insignificant in the legislative process. What may start out as simple phone call or email can turn the tide on the passage of legislation. So, regardless of your organization’s size or capacity, your involvement is very important.
Council of Development Finance Agencies
815 Superior Avenue
Suite 1301
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Phone: (216) 920-3073
Fax: (216) 771-4938
E-mail: info@cdfa.net