Contact Your Lawmakers

Contacting your lawmakers and voicing your opinions is one of the most effective actions you can take to help your small business. Your members of Congress want and need to hear from you to learn how legislation is affecting your day-to-day operations. It’s up to you to tell them if their policies help or hurt you and your employees.

Because your personal voice is the most powerful tool to influence lawmakers, we want to make sure it’s heard loud and clear. We’re here to help you with everything you need to contact your lawmakers effectively and easily.

Contact Your Lawmakers on Key Issues

To find your lawmaker’s phone number, use this searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senator’s and/or representative’s office.

Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue on which you wish to comment.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as:

“Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.___).”

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Let them know how the bill affects your business, giving your related costs, your number of employees (and how they will be affected), and your number of years in business. Ask for your senator’s or representative’s position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your
telephone call.

Tips on Writing to Congress

 If you decide to write a letter, email or fax this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

1. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.

2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position. Let your lawmaker know how the bill affects your business, giving your related costs, your number of employees (and how they will be affected), and your number of years in business. Your real-life examples humanize an issue in a way that facts and figures cannot.

3. Address only one issue in each note; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

4. Be sure to copy us on your correspondence and any reply you receive from your lawmaker.

Addressing correspondence to a senator:

The Honorable (full name) __(Rm.#)__(name of) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

Addressing correspondence to a representative:

The Honorable (full name) __(Rm.#)__(name of) House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

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 Madam Speaker.

Programs and Activities

We offer you exclusive member only opportunities throughout the year to directly connect you to Washington, D.C., often without ever having to leave your desk. Be sure to watch for upcoming communications about webinars, teleconferences as well as events in your area where you can have a conversation directly with your representatives. Additionally, if you have or want to develop a close working relationship with your lawmaker we operate the Key Contact Network, an exclusive group of members leading the charge to protect free enterprise.

How Can I Learn More?

For detailed information on how we can help your business please call 800-946-8112 or fill out the form below:

Your information is kept completely confidential.