Tips for Contacting an Elected Official

Calling
Telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not by the member of Congress directly. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about 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. Ask for your senator's or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.
 
Writing
E-mailed letters are the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office.  Letters by conventional mail should be sent to an office in the member’s home district, since mail to the U.S. Capitol encounters considerable delays due to screening for dangerous substances.
•    Clearly state your purpose for writing 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.____).
•    Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
•    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)
     __(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
     United States Senate
     Washington, DC 20510
     Dear Senator:
 
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 Mr. Speaker: