FEDERAL ADVOCACY RESOURCE BOOK NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK

FEDERAL ADVOCACY RESOURCE BOOK NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK

Welcome The NAN Federal Advocacy Book is designed to assist NAN Chapters in advocating our issues and concerns with Members of the Senate and House of Representatives. This guide can also be used as a resource for advocating with your state and local elected officials. We have included templates for you to use when preparing for your visit. The Washington, DC Bureau is available to serve as a resource on issues that are currently before Congress. We hope that you will use these tools in registering NAN s presence on Capitol Hill. 2

Introduction A session of Congress is two years. At the beginning of August 2014, an assessment of how Members voted will be presented. We will also provide a report of the entire 113th Congress which ends December 2014. The Congress is a bi-cameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has two members from each state. The House has 435 elected members based on districts in each state and at large (D.C., V.I, etc.) Currently, Democrats have the Majority of Members in the Senate and Republican have the Majority of Members in the House. CURRENT U.S. SENATE STRUCTURE: Senate party standings 53 Democrats 2 Independents, both caucusing with Democrats 45 Republicans TOTAL OF 100 CURRENT U.S. HOUSE STRUCTURE: 232 Republicans 200 Democrats 3 Vacancies TOTAL OF 435 The controlling party s members rank in both bodies on all leadership and committees. 3

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE You can contact your federal representative by sending an e-mail, writing a letter, by calling, or by visiting on of their offices. All questions and comments regarding public policy issues, legislation, or requests for personal assistance should be directed to the representative from your state and district. Please be aware that as a matter of professional courtesy, many representatives will acknowledge, but not respond to, a message from another member s constituent. To find out who your Federal representatives are, your can go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. There you will find their address in Washington, DC and in their local districts. E-Mail: When sending e-mail to your senator or representative, please include your return postal mailing address. Postal Mail: Please include your return postal mailing address when corresponding with a Federal representative s office. You can also direct postal correspondence to your Senator or Representative as follows: The Honorable (Name) The Honorable (Name) United States Senate U.S. House of Representative Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Senator (Name) Dear Representative (Name) For correspondence to a committee or to a committee chair: Telephone: Name of Committee Name of Committee United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 or The Honorable (Name) The Honorable (Name), Committee on (Name), Committee on (Name) United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 You may phone the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the office you request. 4

Leadership of the U.S. Senate Joe Biden, Jr. Vice President, Unites States Patrick J. Leahy, (D-VT) President Pro Tempore Political Party Leaders Majority Party Harry Reid, (D-NV) Majority Leader Chair Democratic Senate Committee Richard J. Durbin, (D-IL) Majority Whip Charles E. Schumer, (D-NY) Vice Chair & Policy Committee Chair Democratic Conference Committee Patty Murray, (D-WA) Secretary Democratic Conference 5

MINORITY PARTY LEADERSHIP Mitch McConnell, (R-KY) Minority Leader John Cornyn, (R-TX) Minority Whip John Thune, (R-SD) Chair Republican Conference John Barrasso, (R-WY) Chair Republican Policy Committee Roy Blunt, (R-MO) Vice Chair Republican Conference COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND STANDING COMMITTEES Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI) Chairwoman Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Barbara Mikulski, (D-MD) Chairwoman Appropriations Carl Levin, (D-MI) Armed Services 6

Tim Johnson, (D-SD) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Patty Murray, (D-WA) Chairwoman Budget John D. Rockefeller, IV, (D-WV) Commerce, Science, and Transportation Ron Wyden, (D-OR) Energy and Natural Resources Barbara Boxer, (D-CA) Chairwoman Environment and Public Works Max Baucus, (D-MT) Finance Robert Menendez, (D-NJ) Foreign Relations Tom Harkin, (D-IA) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Thomas R. Carper, (D-DE) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Bernard Sanders, (I-VT) Veterans' Affairs Patrick J. Leahy, (D-VT) Judiciary Charles E. Schumer, (D-NY) Rules and Administration Mary L. Landrieu, (D-LA) Chairwoman Small Business and Entrepreneurship 7

Special, Select, and Other Committees Barbara Boxer, (D-CA) Chairwoman Select Committee on Ethics Dianne Feinstein, (D-CA) Chairwoman Select Committee on Intelligence Maria Cantwell, (D-WA) Chairwoman Indian Affairs Bill Nelson, (D-FL) Special Committee on Aging Senate-Elected Officers & Officials In addition to the positions held by senators, there are several positions held by Senate staff that help to ensure that the business of the Senate runs smoothly. Nancy Erickson Secretary of the Senate Terrance Gainer Sergeant at Arms MacDonough, Elizabeth Parliamentarian Myrick, Gary Secretary for the Majori- Laura Dove Secretary for the Minority Barry Black Chaplin 8

LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE John Boehner, R OH Speaker of the House Eric Cantor, R VA Majority Leader *Officially will step down July 31 st Kevin McCarthy, R CA Former Majority Whip, Majority Leader Elect *Takes post July 31st Steve Scalise, R-CA Majority Whip Elect Cathy McMorris Rodgers Republican Conference James Lankford Republican Policy Committee DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP Nancy Pelosi, D-CA Democratic Leader James Clyburn, D-SC Assistant Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, D-MD Democratic Whip Xavier Becerra, D-CA Democratic Caucus 9

COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND STANDING COMMITTEES Frank Lucas, (R-OK) Agriculture Hal Rogers, (R-KY) Appropriation Howard P. McKeon, (R-CA) Armed Services Paul Ryan, (R-WI) Budget John Klein, (R-MN) Education & the Workforce Fred Upton, (R-MI) Energy & Commerce K. Michael Conway, (R-TX) Ethics Jeb Hensarling, (R-TX) Financial Services Ed Royce, (R-CA) Foreign Affairs Michael McCaul, (R-TX) Homeland Security Candace Miller, (R-MI) Chairwoman House Administration Bob Goodlatte, (R VA) Judiciary Doc Hasting, (R-WA) Natural Resources Darrell Issa, (R-CA) Oversight & Government Reform Pete Session, (R-TX) Rules Lamar Smith, (R TX) Science, Space & Technology 10

Sam Graves, (R-MI) Small Business Bill Shuster, (R PA) Transportation & Infrastructure Jeff Miller, (R-FL) Veteran s Affairs Dave Camp, (R-MI) Ways & Means Mike Rogers, (R MI) Intelligence Kevin Brady, (R-TX) Joint Economic Candace Miller, (R-MI) Chairwoman Joint Committees 11

HOW TO ADVOCATE YOUR CONCERNS TO CONGRESS Advocating your concerns to your federal elected official is exciting and the most effective way to participate in the political process. By participating in the political process, you have registered your voice as to how resources are allocated in your community and who represents you in Congress. There are many ways in which you can contact your federal elected official to share with them NAN priorities. They include face-to-face, sending an email, or phone call (virtual via Skype, face time). Here are some tips to consider when meeting with your representative. FACE TO FACE VISIT: The face-to-face visit with your representative is one of the most effective ways to advocate your issues. By meeting face-to-face your representative can put a face with your organization. There are key steps for your Face-to-Face meetings with your representative either in Washington, DC or in their District office. These include: Call to schedule the visit Prepare for your visit and determine what issues you plan to address Visit Debrief Follow-up Step 1: Call to Schedule the Visit When calling a Member s office to schedule your visit: You should ask for the scheduler to make the appointment; and the staff person who handles the issue. Make it clear that you want to meet with the Senator or Congressman. Have at least three dates and times in mind for the meeting. Know how long the meeting will last 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Let them know who will be coming to the meeting (NAN National Board Members, chapter officers or chapter members.) You should also send a letter requesting a meeting with the Member. Your letter should include: Your Name and Title. Chapter name. The issue or bill you want to address during the meeting. Know how the Member voted on the issue or similar issues. 12

Helpful Hints: If your are requesting a meeting in Washington, DC; Congress is usually in session late Monday evening through mid-day on Friday. Many members are available to meet Tuesday - Thursday. By knowing the staff person that handles a particular issue you can contact them before your scheduled meeting to talk to them about your concerns; and to establish a relationship with them. Step 2: Prepare for your meeting: To prepare for your meeting with your representative, we suggest that you schedule a meeting with the representative from your Congressional District (CD). The fact that you are from their CD will have a greater impact on your visit. Once you meet with your representative, then you can branch out to meet with other Members from your state or members on the committee of the issues you are interested in. To prepare for your meeting you should: Know what committees and sub-committees the Member serves on. Prepare a list of bills or issues that you want to discuss. Do your research on the topic and include background information on the issue. Establish what the NAN position is and how you want the Member to vote. Decide who will be the lead spokesperson during your visit. Have a list of questions that you want to ask and prepare possible follow-up questions or comments. Helpful Hints: Preparing background information on the Member will allow you to become more familiar with the issues they are concerned with and how they have voted on past issues. Visit their website. This will help you identify their committee assignments and what issues they are passionate about and how they have responded. Prepare a briefing packet for your visit to leave with the representative or their staff. Focus on two or three issues. Step 3: The Visit: The day of your visit has arrived. You have scheduled the date and time. You have prepared for your visit by doing your homework on the issues and on the Member. Now you are ready to meet with your representative. 13

Things to do during your Visit: Business attire is appropriate. Arrive early by at least 10 15 minutes. You should know which building and room number your representative is located. Greet the receptionist in a friendly manner and announce who you are and that you are here to meet with Senator/Congressman. Ask for the staff member that handles the issue you are here to talk about. Most likely they will be in the meeting with you and the Member. Once in the meeting, make the introductions of your group. Be prepared to give your short statement or Elevator Pitch on your issues or bill. Each person should take turns asking a question and responding to an answer. Be sure to exchange business cards with staff. Helpful Hints: Arriving early can give you the chance to meet with the staff person who will be sitting in on the meeting with you. Once the meeting is over with the Member he /she will be responsible for that issues. Be prepared to be interrupted by other staff or for the Member to be called to floor for a vote. Use your time wisely. If you have scheduled other meetings and the current meeting runs over, a member of your group should contact the next appointment to indicate you are in a members office and will be a few minutes late. We suggest you schedule at least 20-30 minutes between visits allowing for travel time and extended time. Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask during your meeting. The briefing packet should contain a one pager to include the bill or issue, 3-5 key points that you want to convey, and the way you wan the Member vote. Attach any recent articles, research or press releases on the topic as well. STEP 4: DEBRIEF: When you have finished visiting your Federal representative and while the visit is still fresh on your mind, you and your team should find time to debrief. The debriefing of your visit should include: Reviewing the answers from your representatives from your list of questions. Review the demeanor of the representative and staff were the staff friendly, is the member receptive to your point of view or was he/she hostile or defensive? Report back to your chapter and community on what happened at your meeting. Plan your next steps. 14

STEP 5: FOLLOW-UP: The follow-up from your congressional visit is just as important as your visit. By following up on your visit, you demonstrate commitment to your concerns, will allow you to work with the Member on issues that impact your community, which is a part of their congressional district. Establishing a relationship with your federal representative, as with any relationship, requires that you be credible, recognize your mutual interests, concerns, as well as your disagreements. You always want to keep an open line of communication. Things to do as a Follow-up: Send a thank you note to the representative, thanking them for seeing you. Remind them of the bills, or issues you discussed in your meeting. Let them know that you will follow their vote and any comments they may make on the issue. Let them know what your action plan will be as a result your meeting (Letter to editor, town hall meeting, or other advocacy actions.) Stay in touch with the staff person who handles the issue you discussed. 15

FORMS OF CONGRESSIONAL ACTION The work of Congress is initiated by the introduction of a proposal in one of four principal forms: a bill, a joint resolution, a concurrent resolution, and a simple resolution. Bills A bill is the form used for most legislation, whether permanent or temporary, general or special, public or private. A bill originating in the House of Representatives is designated by the letters H.R., signifying House of Representatives, followed by a number that it retains throughout all its parliamentary stages. A bill originating in the Senate is designated by the letter S.. Bills are presented to the President for action when approved in identical form by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Joint Resolutions Joint resolutions may originate either in the Senate or in the House of Representatives. There is little practical difference between a bill and a joint resolution. Both are subject to the same procedure, except for a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. On approval of such a resolution by two-thirds of both the House and Senate is required. It is sent directly to the Administrator of General Services for submission to the individual states for ratification. It is not presented to the President for approval. A joint resolution originating in the House of Representatives is designated H.J.Res. followed by its individual number. A joint resolution originating in the Senate is designated S.J. Res. Joint resolutions become law in the same manner as bills with the exception of Presidential signature. Concurrent Resolutions Matters affecting the operations of both the House of Representatives and Senate are usually initiated by means of concurrent resolutions. A concurrent resolution originating in the House of Representatives is designated H.Con.Res. followed by its individual number. A concurrent resolution originating in the Senate is designated S.Con.Res. followed by its individual number. On approval by both the House of Representatives and Senate, they are signed by the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate. They are not presented to the President for action. Simple Resolutions A matter concerning the operation of either the House of Representatives or Senate alone is initiated by a simple resolution. A resolution affecting the House of Representatives is designated H.Res. followed by its number. A resolution affecting the Senate is designated S.Res. followed by its number. They are not presented to the President for action. 16

HOW BILLS BECOME LAWS 17

SAMPLE MEETING REQUEST LETTER Letters should be kept to one page. (On your letterhead) Date The Honorable [First Name, Last Name] U.S. House of Representatives (or U.S. Senate) Washington, DC 20515 (or 20510) Dear Representative (or Senator) [Last Name]: I am a constituent from (city/town). As a member of NAN chapter, I would like to request an opportunity to meet briefly with you in your [location] local district office on [date (s)] to discuss [the issue (s) of concern that you wish to discuss]. Specifically, I would like to discuss S. 123 or H.R. 123(bill or issue). [If necessary, provide additional details about the issue here.] Thank you in advance for your consideration of this meeting request. I will contact your office soon to determine your availability. Should you or your staff have any questions in the meantime, I can be reached by phone at [your phone number] or by e-mail at [your e- mail address]. Thank you. Sincerely, [Your name and Title] NAN (Name) Chapter Sample 18

SAMPLE PRESS/MEDIA ALERT This should be used if pubic action is required and should be cleared through NAN s Field and Communications department. *******MEDIA ADVISORY******* REV. SHARPTON, THE FAMILY OF TRAYVON MARTIN, JORDAN DAVIS AND EMMETT TILL, AND ATTORNEY CRUMP RALLY AGAINST STAND YOUR GROUND LAWS IN TALLAHASSEE, FL ON MARCH 10TH WHO: Rev. Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network Attorneys Benjamin Crump & Daryl Parks, Parks & Crump Attorneys at Law Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Parents of Trayvon Martin Lucia McBath and Ron Davis, Parents of Jordan Davis The family of Emmett Till Tom Joyner, Host of The Tom Joyner Morning Show WHAT: Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network will lead a march from the Tallahassee Leon Country Civic Center to the State Capitol to address stand your ground laws. The parent s of Trayvon Martin, and their Attorney s Benjamin Crump and Daryl Parks, and the parent s of Jordan Davis, as well as the family of Emmett Till will join. The march will end with a rally at the Florida State Capitol building where Rev. Sharpton will be the keynote speaker. WHEN: Monday March 10 2014 March begins at 9:30AM WHERE: March begins at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Sample The march ends and rally begins outside of the Florida State Capitol building 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, Florida, FL 32301 ### 19

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE This should be used if pubic action is required and should be cleared through NAN s Field and Communications department. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO HEADLINE THE NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK (NAN) 16TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION APRIL 9 12, 2014 NAN CONVENTION TO BE LARGEST GATHERING OF ACTIVISTS THIS YEAR ALSO PRESENTING WILL BE US ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER, NEW YORK GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO, AND NYC MAYOR BILL de BLASIO New York, NY Rev. Al Sharpton announces that President Barack Obama will address National Action Network s (NAN) 16 th annual national convention being held April 9-12, 2014. Also confirmed are US Attorney General Eric Holder, Obama administration cabinet members; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. This will be the largest civil rights convening of the year bringing our nation s top activists, political strategists and leading academia together to create an action plan for a civil rights agenda. On the heels of thousands joining NAN in Tallahassee, FL for a stand your ground rally, participants will address additional key policy issues such as jobs, voter ID and immigration; which will be key in this midterm election year. Confirmed participants include: US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray; MSNBC hosts Chris Matthews, Joy-Ann Reid and Krystal Ball; Wendy Williams queen of all media ; the parents of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis; parents of Sandy Hook shooting victim Ana Marquez-Greene; Harvard University Professor Dr. Charles Ogletree; NBC News legal analyst and author Lisa Bloom; William H. Billy Murphy Jr., Esq.; Essence Magazine notables Michelle Ebanks and Susan Taylor; Viacom s Marva Smalls; The Nation s Katrina vanden Heuvel; actor Malik Yoba; leading members of Congress and many more. Executives from corporations such as: Bank of America, Macy s, McDonald s, CVS, Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner and Nielsen will also be joining various panels. Mega real-estate developer Bruce Ratner will address a special plenary discussing his support of minimum wage. Sample The convention will convene its annual leadership forum entitled: Measuring the Movement: 50 Years After President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. The forum will be hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton on Saturday, April 12 th, from 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Participants will include: The leadership of the National Action Network, Lorraine C. Miller of NAACP, Sherrilyn Ifill from NAACP LDF, Marc Morial from National Urban League, Melanie Campbell from NCBCP and a special youth panel. The convention will also feature the annual Keepers of the Dream Awards on Wednesday, April 9 th, the Women s Power Breakfast on Thursday, April 10 th and the Minister s Breakfast on Friday, April 11 th. 20

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK WASHINGTON DC BUREAU 818 18TH STREET, NW, SUITE 850 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Office: (202) 293-3232 Fax: (202) 293-0001 dcbureau@nationalactionnetwork.net 21