2014 Congressional Elections Advocacy 101 - Making a Difference in Congress | Page 7

are made. See the chart (on page
9) for key steps in the legislative
process. Moreover, you don’t have
to rely only on letters. Repeated
phone calls, emails, and visits can
be particularly powerful.
• Once a bill is introduced,
you have an opportunity to
urge your senators and representative to cosponsor it.
• You can thank them for
their support once they
sign on.
• It’s useful to recommend
improvements in the bill’s
provisions as it is considWilliam Johnson for Bread for the World
ered at the subcommittee
or committee levels. This is particularly true if your member of
Congress is on the committee that has jurisdiction over the bill.
• With major issues, like the recent budget debates, Congress does
not always follow a normal legislative process. Legislation may not
be introduced until a couple of days before it is voted upon. Your
communications to Congress even during the early negotiating period can be especially critical in these debates.
• There are other chances to recommend changes or urge a bill’s
passage or defeat when votes occur on the House and Senate floors.

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Quick-Response Alerts

When events are unfolding rapidly on Capitol Hill and mailed
letters may be too slow, phone calls, emails, or social media communications can make a difference. Bread for the World sometimes schedules
call-in days or sets up action alerts to let particular legislators know of our
position on a pending decision. These are quick, easy, and effective ways to
take action. Sign up to receive urgent Bread alerts at www.bread.org/alerts.
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