Writing Your Representative

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

State Your Purpose
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. .

Set the Tone
Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.

One Issue Only
Address only one issue in each letter. If possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (last name):

To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 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 as Dear Mr. Speaker.