Calling Your Senators and Representative

The most effective way to get your point across to a member of Congress (MOC) is to call. Chances are you will not get to talk to your senators or representative, but talking to staff members is effective. The opinions expressed via calls are tallied, and the MOCs do take these totals into account.

It is important to let your MOCs know when you agree and disagree with them. When you call Democratic MOCs and let them know that you are against Trumpcare, it enhances their support for that position. If enough people call Republican MOCs to state their strong opposition to Trumpcare, it might change their minds. Call your Republican MOCs and let them know you are against Trumpcare, but also call your Democratic MOCs and let them know you want them to do everything in their power to stop Trumpcare from passing.

Basics of Calling

When you call your MOC, you want to be brief and only state an opinion on one issue. Make a separate call if you want to discuss another issue. Always be polite and courteous. Make sure to state your city or zip code so MOCs know that you are a constituent. Generally, MOCs only pay attention to their constituents for these type of calls, so don’t waste your time calling MOCs who do not represent you. If you do not get a person, leave a message. These messages are also tallied.

A general call will go something like this:

“Hello, my name is John Doe, and I live in Silver Spring. I would like to express an opinion on health care. Am I talking to the right person?”
“Yes.”
(If no, then asked to be connected to person who deals with health care.)
“I am against Trumpcare. It is a horrible bill that will cause people to lose coverage. I strongly urge Senator Smith to vote against it.”
“Thank you, I will let Senator Smith know. May I please get your zip code.”
“Yes, it is 55555. Thank you for your time.”

Sample Republican Script

“Hello, my name is (state your name), and I live in (state your city). I would like to express an opinion on the Senate’s health care bill. Am I talking to the right person?”
…
“I am against the Senate’s health care bill, and I want Senator (name of senator) to vote against this bill. It is a horrible bill that will take away health care from millions of people. Do not let this bill pass. Thank you.”
…

Sample Democratic Script

“Hello, my name is (state your name), and I live in (state your city). I would like to express an opinion on the Senate’s health care bill. Am I talking to the right person?”
…
“I am against the Senate’s health care bill. It is a horrible bill, and I appreciate the senator’s efforts to prevent its passage. I urge Senator (state the senator’s name) to do everything possible to delay and prevent this bill from passing. Tell the senator to keep up the good work and thank you.”
…

A Final Note

it took me less than three minutes to call my two senators. Please remember that it is important to call. Thank you for your concern and effort.