10: But I thought my appointment was with the Senator.
Never indicate that you are disappointed to be meeting with a staff person. On Capitol Hill, having a good relationship with staff can make or break your cause.
9: Here’s some reading material for you – our 300-page annual report.
When meeting with a member of Congress or staff person, try to limit your leave behind materials to one or two pages, and include details on where this information can be located on the Web, if appropriate.
8: How much of a campaign contribution did your boss get to vote against (or for) this bill?
Believe it or not, most staff have no idea who contributed to their boss’ campaigns. Not only is this question insulting, but even if it were accurate, the staff person isn’t likely to know.
7: I assume you know all about HR 1234.
With thousands of bills being introduced during each Congress, no staff person will be able to keep them all straight. Always provide information on the bill title, number, and general provisions.
6: No, I don’t have an appointment, but I promise I’ll only take 30 minutes of your time.
If you weren’t able to get an appointment, it’s OK to stop by, drop off some materials and let them know of your interest in the issue. It is not OK to camp out in their doorway and demand that someone talk to you.
5: No, I don’t really need anything specific.
If you don’t ask for something – a bill co-sponsorship, a congressional record statement, a meeting in the district etc.– staff will wonder why you came by. Updates on your issue are fine, so long as they are accompanied by a request.
4: We have 10 (or more) people in our group.
Congressional offices are tiny. If you have more than 5 people in your group, you’ll be standing out in the hallway. Plus, having so many people talking at once can dilute the impact of your message. Try to limit your group to no more than 5. If you do have a large group, assign a few people (specifically constituents) the responsibility of delivering the message.
3: What you’re telling me can’t be right. I heard Stephen Colbert on the Late Show say otherwise.
Congressional staff, or Members for that matter, won’t lie to you. Sometimes, they may see things differently than you do, but if they say a bill definitely is not going to be considered on the floor, or if there is no such legislation, you should believe them.
2: What do you mean we have to stand in the hall?
See number 4. A request to meet in the hallway is simply an indication of space limitations. Nothing else.
1: No, I don’t represent anyone from your district or committee interest. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.
Members are elected to represent their constituents. Period. If you are not their constituent or you are not connected to their constituents, you are not very relevant to them. Your time is always best spent working with your own elected officials and turning them into advocates for your cause.