Transcript How to make an effective congressional visit

Conducting an Effective
Congressional Visit
“Decisions are made by those
who show up” – Pres. Jed Bartlett, The West
Wing
Your input as a constituent is important to your
members of Congress!
• Congress is currently making important decisions
impacting sleep and circadian research at NIH.
• Aim to establish a long-term relationship with
congressional staff and offices.
• Your input today will influence their future decisions.
Government Basics
3 Branches of Government
Separation of Powers
Legislative
(Congress)
Makes Laws
Judicial
(Supreme Court)
Interprets Laws
Executive
(President)
Enforces Laws
A Bicameral Congress
Two Chambers
House of Representatives
• 435 Members
• Based on state population
per the Census
• Elected every 2 years
• Must be 25 years old
• Currently 242 Republicans,
191 Democrats, 2 Vacancies
Senate
• 100 Senators
• 2 from each state
• Elected every 6 years
• Must be 30 years old
• Currently, 51 Democrats, 47
Republicans, 2 Independents
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Bill is
introduced
If passed,
sent to
other
chamber
Referred
to
committee
Vote
Process repeats in
second chamber
Committee
reports bill to
House/Senate
Debate on
House/
Senate floor
The Appropriations Cycle
How your federal tax dollars are spent
President
releases his
annual budget
request.
Final funding
bill is sent to
the President
for approval.
House and
Senate craft
their annual
budget
resolutions.
House and
Senate
appropriations
bills are
conferenced.
House and
Senate
conference
budget
resolutions.
Appropriations
subcommittees
craft annual
funding bills.
Congressional Security
• No sharp objects, liquids, weapons, Aerosols
or large bags.
• Medical devices and medications are
permitted.
• Prepare for metal detectors. Bags will be
scanned; be prepared to remove your shoes.
• Paper subway cards may demagnetize if put
through metal detectors.
Preparing for Your Meetings
• Background research
• Review the issues
• Review the materials included in the folders
• Review the background information on each
legislator (included in your schedule)
• Discuss meeting strategy
• Select a leader among the group
• Usually the legislator’s constituent
• Assign topics/order of discussion
During Your Meeting
You are the expert on your experiences!!!
• You don’t have to be a government specialist!
• Your story is the most important
information you can share
• Share your experiences as a
researcher/patient/ caregiver/family
member/friend
During Your Meeting cont.
• Arrive on time and call if you’re late.
• Phone numbers listed in schedule.
• Be patient if legislator/staffer is late—various
factors may contribute to delayed start time.
• Don’t get thrown off by meetings held in
hallways, cafeterias, etc …
During Your
Meeting cont.
• Be conscious of the time and extremely busy
schedules of congress members and their staff
• The team leader will begin the meeting.
• Introduce the meeting participants.
• Introduce the organization.
• Explain the general purpose of the meeting.
During Your Meeting cont.
• Once the team leader has introduced the issue,
other group members should contribute to the
conversation where appropriate.
• Provide updates or background information on
particular aspects of the issue.
• Use statistics or other types of hard evidence
when possible.
• Use the leave-behind materials for emphasis.
During Your Meeting cont.
• DO NOT GET SIDE-TRACKED, stick to the agenda!
• Assume you have 10 to 15 minutes total
• “All politics is local”, former Speaker of the House Tip
O’Neil-- discuss the impact on the district/state
• Support groups, fundraisers
• Clinical trials, specialized hospitals
• How recommendations will help constituents
• Local job creation and economic growth
• Improved treatment, diagnosis, and awareness of
sleep/circadian disorders
During Your Meeting cont.
• End by asking that the congress member take
a specific action.
• Summarize what you’d like the member to do.
• Follow up with the legislator or staffer.
• Ask what you and SRS can do to help the member
facilitate your request.
• Feel free to ask for a photo with the legislator
• Great for newsletters, websites, etc…
During Your Meeting cont.
• Thank the congress member/staffer for taking
the time to meet with you!!!
• Make sure to ask for their business card.
• This is your opportunity to begin a lasting
relationship with the staffer and their office!
Follow up by sending a thank you email to
legislators/staffers you meet with.
• Include new/updated materials, articles,
etc.
• Reemphasize the main points or “asks”
• Ask for an update when the member takes
action on the issue