Congress plays a critical role in shaping the American research portfolio by prescribing funding levels for research programs and, often, by directing policy. New scientific instruments, research grants, graduate fellowships, and scientific centers and institutes are created and funded by Congress each year.

Advocacy matters. And everyone has the right to advocate. Members of Congress need to hear about your priorities and concerns if they are to address them. Meeting with your Members of Congress or writing a letter to them can bring plant biology issues to the forefront and can begin a relationship between you and your elected officials. Advocacy should be done on a regular basis—the key is to follow up. Doing so will allow science to play a more prominent role in the decision-making process in Congress and may result in increased funding for scientific research, improved regulations, and the implementation of other policies that benefit plant biology.

Below is a suite of tools that can help you in your advocacy efforts. If you have questions,
please contact ASPB’s Public Affairs office at PublicAffairs@aspb.org.

 

Meeting with Your Members of Congress

House of Representatives Home Page has information on the Congress 
          For contact information updated by Congressional staff

Senate Home Page has information on the Senate
          For contact information updated by Senate staff

Zip Code matching: enter a zip code at the TOP of the page and the name of your Congressperson will appear. Clicking on the name of the Congressperson will bring up ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, which includes contact information

THOMAS provides one-stop Congressional information including text of the Congressional Record and pending legislation.

• Communicating with the Public, Media and Policymakers on AgBiotech Issues (posted 10/25/04)
• Science of Working with the News Media (posted 3/25/03)
• Newspaper Editor's Advice on Writing Letters to the Editor and Meeting with Editorial Boards (updated 6/30/03)
• Writing Letters to Congress -- Points to Remember (posted 10/29/96)