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 Judicial Executive (Congress) (Supreme Court)(President) Makes Laws Interprets Laws Enforces Laws Makes Laws Interprets Laws Enforces Laws

A Bicameral Congress Two Chambers House of Representatives 435 Members 435 Members Based on state population per the Census Based on state population per the Census Elected every 2 years Elected every 2 years Must be 25 years old Must be 25 years old Currently 242 Republicans, 191 Democrats, 2 Vacancies Currently 242 Republicans, 191 Democrats, 2 Vacancies Senate 100 Senators 100 Senators 2 from each state 2 from each state Elected every 6 years Elected every 6 years Must be 30 years old Must be 30 years old Currently, 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans, 2 Independents Currently, 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans, 2 Independents

How a Bill Becomes a Law Bill is introduced Referred to committee Committee reports bill to House/Senate Debate on House/ Senate floor Vote If passed, sent to other chamber Process repeats in second chamber

The Appropriations Cycle How your federal tax dollars are spent President releases his annual budget request President releases his annual budget request. House and Senate craft their annual budget resolutions. House and Senate conference budget resolutions. Appropriations subcommittees craft annual funding bills. House and Senate appropriations bills are conferenced. Final funding bill is sent to the President for approval.

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 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