Tips on Writing to a Member of Congress
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The letter is the most popular choice of communications with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter.
1. State your purpose for writing in the first paragraph of the letter. If the letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, i.e., House bill: H. R. ______, Senate bill: S. _____.
2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
3. Address only one issue in each letter, and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
Addressing Correspondence:
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
Dear Senator (last name)
To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Representative (last name)
Note:
When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as: Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman or Dear Mr. Speaker: