Meeting with Your Legislators: A Checklist

Before meeting with Members of Congress or their staff, it is helpful to know a few basic facts about the legislator and the district to give you some idea about how to approach your conversation. Of particular interest are the Member’s background, party, ideology, voting record, tenure in Congress, and whether the Member belongs to a Committee that plays a role in biomedical research funding or other relevant issues.

You can locate biographical information on Members of Congress from one or more of the websites listed at the bottom of this page. As you research, keep in mind how the factors listed below may shape the Member’s view on research issues.

About the Legislator

  • Biography
    • Name
    • Party Affiliation (Democrat/Republican/Independent)
    • Ideology (liberal/conservative/moderate)
    • Educational background
    • Year elected
  • District Information
    • Research institutions in the district
    • Type of district (urban/suburban/rural/mix)
    • Major industries and other large employers
  • Positions in Congress
    • Committee Assignments
    • Leadership Positions (committees chaired, etc.)
  • Research Connections
    • Public positions on biomedical research issues
    • Personal connection to biomedical research

General Talking Points

  • As a researcher, I appreciate the support Congress has provided for biomedical research through the NIH, NSF, VA, NASA, and other agencies.
  • Ample scientific opportunities remain to justify sustained funding growth in all biological sciences across all agencies.
  • Medical progress continues to depend upon the use of animal models of humane diseases. Researchers recognize that humane care of animals is essential to sound scientific research.
  • Thanks for your time, and I invite you to contact me in the future on medical research issues.

Web Links for Congressional Biographies


Related Items

Meeting in Person

Personal meetings in either Washington, DC or home district offices are effective ways to communicate your views and establish relationships with your elected representatives.

Placing a Phone Call

If you don’t have the time or opportunity to set up a personal meeting, a phone call to the legislator’s office is another option.

Written Communication

Email is another option.

Is This Kind of Communication Considered Lobbying?

The definition of lobbying is generally considered to be communications intended to influence specific legislation.

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