SpeakOut.com's Delivering Your Message

Advocacy is Always Required: Unlike in some state legislatures, bills in the U.S. Congress generally do not automatically move through the next stage in the process. For example, the fact that a bill made it through the subcommittee does not mean that the full Committee will consider it at all. There are some exceptions, such as appropriations and budget bills, but in general advocacy is required to ensure that legislation continues to progress.

Understand When to Communicate: Communicating after the fact, or when it is simply to late to make a change is never a good idea. For example, if you are seeking a provision in an appropriation bill, September is NOT a good time to ask for that provision, as the appropriations bills must be completed by October. The appropriations cycle starts months in advance, so you need to be prepared to start months in advance. Or, if you want your member to cosponsor a particular bill, asking for his or her support after the full House or Senate has voted on the bill is not effective. Fortunately, you can monitor legislation on the "Thomas" website, which has information on the progress of the appropriations cycle as well as all other bills that have been introduced.

Turning a Bill into Law is a Long, Involved, Inefficient Process: Since only about 5% of the bills that are introduced become law in any given Congress, don't be disappointed if a bill you support does not pass. Remember that it often takes several years to move legislation through.

Moving Bills are Powerful: If you are very anxious to get a particular provision or amendment passed, work with your Congressional office to identify a "moving vehicle". We're not talking about a truck here, we're talking about a bill that has to be completed, such as an appropriations bill or a budget bill. Although there are rules about what can or cannot be attached to these bills, they can sometimes offer opportunities to attach your provision.

Non-Controversial Bills are Powerful: A major portion of the bills that Congress passes are non-controversial, widely supported bills that all members feel comfortable voting for. Working with your Congressional office to make your issue as non-controversial as possible will enhance its chances of passage. In fact, there's a special process in the House for getting these bill to the floor called the "suspension" calendar. In the Senate, they are passed under "unanimous consent"