These are notes I took on this topic. At some point, I will come back and make it pretty. But I didn't want that to be a barrier to information.
Find information for sending your letter online on the candidate's website. They will probably ask for your address. If you are homeless, you can use the address of a nearby public park.
If you simply want to voice support or disapproval, calling is easier.
These questions can help identify if a bill has a likelihood of passing.
Does the bill have a bill number?
Is it bipartisan, or is there a champion in the other chamber pushing for this bill to happen? (Bipartisan= has a house and senate companion bill and is supported by Democrats and Republicans)
Is there a House version of a Senate Bill?
Is there a House version of a Senate Bill?
Check congress.gov on the right, eighth tab middle of page. 'related bills'
This means that it has more likelihood of passing. BUT still needs support from 400+ members.
This question can help you identify input:
Letters:
Is this a bill that I can explain what congressional staffers should know from the perspective of the community?
Are there sections of the bill that need to be improved?
Are there other members of the community that have important feedback to give on this issue who I can encourage to send a letter?
Changes to bills that have already been introduced are called amendments. For this you need to have a long built relationship. "During the hearing, can you ask the following questions?"
You'd be giving them information for their argument- talking points, data, quotes from community members.
What I know:
Bills that start in the house start with an H.
Bills that start in the Senate start with an S.
I'm assuming:
If it's introduced, I write to the representative from the chamber it was introduced to based on if it starts with an H or S.
If it's passed one chamber, I send the letter to the representative of the chamber it's going to next.
To change a bill, give feedback before it's introduced. Weigh in as early as possible. Your letter must be sent before it’s introduced.
If you're writing the letter to change it > must send it before it's introduced.
If you're writing a letter to support it > can write a letter at any point in the process.
To support a bill that's been written, weighing in as early as possible is important to build momentum.
Credibility is most important for building a good relationship. Speak to issues you know about.
Use the bill number in the letter and subject line so they know what you want to reach out to them on.
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