Entering the Legislative Process

How You Enter the Process

They will listen to you or read what you have to say, though they may not do what you suggest. A congressional representative's decision will depend on a number of factors -- the strength of their views, their assessment of the political consequences or proposing to change the committee's action, and the number and eloquence of the messages they receive from their constituents. The more visits and letters, and the more persuasive they are, the more likely he/she is to take the suggested action.

Congressional contacts can occur at various points along the legislative chain of events. In the case of the NASA Appropriations bill, contacts should be made with the members of the Appropriations subcommittee before they hold their mark-up. These people are absolutely crucial to the budget process. If they represent you in Congress, give them special attention. Those sections that have representation on these subcomittees can exercise significant leverage on their deliberations.

If the subcommittee's mark-up has already occured, your next point of contact is the full committee, which then meets to consider and vote on the subcommittee's conclusions. If your Congressman sits on the full Committee on Appropriations, you could communicate with him or her and suggest s/he take the initiative to restore any cut programs or funds.

Your last resort comes after the full committee votes, when the entire House debates and votes on the bill in question. Your Congressman can be urged to restore cuts at that time. Note that the Senate follows the same procedure as the House.

As you can see from the above description, it is vital to know when the Congress is acting on legislation that interests us. This is where AIAA's Government Relations staff comes in. The monthly news letter, Legislative Update, is a vital source of information regarding the legislative activities surrounding aerospace budgets and programs. The newsletter will allow you to know whom to contact and at what point you can be most effective.

Writing to Congress

RULE 1: Make it brief, concise, legible, and above all avoid jargon. Keep it to one-page if at all possible. Remember, very few (if any) of the people reviewing your letter have any technical background whatsoever.

RULE 2: Address only ONE issue in your letter and use the following format:

• Paragraph 1 - Introduce your topic and purpose for writing; establish who you are and what credentials or experience you have.
• Paragraph 2 - Expand on the details by incorporating facts and figures, as well as the effect that a particular action or piece of legislation will have on your job, your district, or the nation's well being and security. Remind them of the economic impact of the aerospace industry in your community and to the nation as a whole.
• Paragraph 3 - Address what specific action should be taken; proclaim support or opposition for your issue; suggest an alternative approach if you wish. Ask to be informed of your legislator's subsequent actions, and follow-up any favorable actions with a thank-you letter.

RULE 3: Do NOT use company or AIAA letterhead. This will give you the appearance of a lobbyist rather than that of a constituent.

RULE 4: Do your homework. The more you know the better you will be able to convey your message. For example:

• Use a bill number and refer to that specific legislation in paragraph two of your letter. The status of bills can be obtained by calling 202/225-1772, or check the Congressional Record. NOTE: You must have the specific bill number when calling for an update.
• Use the correct address for your representative. You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202/224-3121 to be connected to your representative's office to ask for their address.
• Follow these suggested address styles:
  

  The Honorable _______ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator ________:

  The Honorable _________ U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative _______:

Make sure that you take advantage of the attention shown to constituent communications and open up a constructive and informative dialogue with both your state and federal politicians to ensure that they do not lose touch with the issues that affect those who elected them into office. Make a difference. Make your voice heard!

Personal Visits

Plan in Advance - Establish in advance what you want to achieve, who you wish to visit, who should participate, and who will be the spokesperson. It is best to keep the group small: no more than three or four at most.

Make an Appointment - When calling your legislator's office, contact the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler. Explain your purpose, who you represent, and how much time is needed.

Organize the Presentation - Your legislator's time is important; therefore, be sure you plan your presentation to ensure that you do not go past the allotted time. Below are some additional hints:

• Be brief and clear.
• Leave a brief fact sheet or other useful written material, such as AIAA position papers, if appropriate.
• State your reasons for your views. For example, indicate how a legislator's Yes or No vote on an issue will affect you, your community, or the nation's economy and security.
• Always be polite and constructive, never threatening.
• Encourage questions and discussion. Offer to provide advice and technical expertise in the future.
• Ask for positive consideration, thank your legislator for seeing you, and leave promptly.
• If your legislator's vote or other action pleases you, write and express your appreciation.

Government Links

• ABAG: The online connection to the Assosciation of Bay Area Governments (local).
• California: The California State Government
• Congress Listing: A list of addresses and phone numbers for U.S. Congress
• U.S. Congress: A more general connection to the U.S. Congress.
• House of Representatives: More specific listings for the House and its committees.
• U.S. Senate: More specific listings for the Senate and its committees.
• The Whitehouse: Just in case you want to take it to the top...