Click on the name of your Senator/Rep (rather than the checkbox) to find the DC office
(Capitol) phone number.
You can also call the Capitol Switchboard to be connected to the office directly at 202-224-3121.
Email
To find staffer emails:
Click "staff" to find the names of DC office staffers. Search for the name of the
“Legislative Director” or “Health policy” or “Legislative Assistant” (in that
order). Avoid reaching out to fellows or Legislative Correspondents. Convert
the name of the staffer into an email using the convention:
Go to the Representative or Senator's official website and find their office address under
"contact." (It is usually best to send letters to the Washington, DC office.)
Your anxiety is real, and even if it's not logical to be afraid of
calling you are, and no one can or should deny that.
It may be helpful to prepare a script to read directly from, or at least
plan out what to say. It doesn't have to be as long as the one here.
If you have questions or need moral support, Nerdfighteria is happy to
help <3
What to expect:
When calling a congressional office directly, you may be asked to choose from a list of
reasons to call. If not, or once you've given a reason, an aide will pick up or you will
be directed to leave a voicemail (most likely if you call outside of business hours).
You'll usually receive a short greeting, and they'll listen to your message. After that,
they may ask some basic clarifying questions and for information like your full name or
zip code. Once everything is communicated, they might thank you for your call, and
you're done!
If you're calling using the Capitol Switchboard, you'll be asked for the name of the Senator
or Representative you want to reach, so have that ready! If you don't, you will also
have the option to ask for help finding them.
Hello. My name is [Full Name], and I live in [City]—zip code number [#####].
I’m calling to ask [Sen/Rep NAME] to oppose the dismantling of USAID and
the cutting of its staff. This is a public health crisis that is going
to cost lives both at home and abroad, as malnutrition and disease
compound one another and increase the likelihood of another global
pandemic and economic instability. In addition, dismantling USAID
without Congress’ approval would defy a congressional statute,
threatening the balance of powers between the President and Congress.
I ask [Sen/Rep NAME] to do everything in [their] power to prevent this breach
of Congress’ legislative authority and the loss of life that is going to
follow if we continue on this dangerous path. I’d appreciate any updates
on [Sen/Rep NAME’s] work in this area. You can reach me at [phone
number] or by email at [email address]. Thank you.
Email Template
Dear [Representative or Senator Name],
My name is [Your Name]. I’m a constituent from [Location/Zip Code]. I am asking you to oppose the dismantling of USAID and the cutting of its staff. This dismantling is a public health crisis that is going to cost lives at home and abroad. Cutting funding from USAID will make the likelihood of another global pandemic greater as people have their treatment suddenly stop—making drug-resistance more likely. It is estimated that this dismantling will result in a 28-30% increase in tuberculosis (which is already the leading infectious disease in number of deaths), which will result in millions of people to dies from a preventable decision over the years.
The dismantling of USAID is also highly illegal. It was done without congressional approval, which is threatening the balance of powers between the President and Congress and needs to be corrected.
I ask you to do everything in your power to prevent this breach of Congress' legislative authority and the loss of life that is going to follow if we continue on this dangerous path. I'd appreciate any updates on your work in their area. You can reach me at [phone number] or by email at [email address].
Thank you,
[Your name]
Letter Template
Dear [Representative or Senator Name],
My name is [Your Name]. I’m a constituent from [Location/Zip Code]. I am asking you to oppose the dismantling of USAID and the cutting of its staff. This dismantling is a public health crisis that is going to cost lives at home and abroad. Cutting funding from USAID will make the likelihood of another global pandemic greater as people have their treatment suddenly stop—making drug-resistance more likely. It is estimated that this dismantling will result in a 28-30% increase in tuberculosis (which is already the leading infectious disease in number of deaths), which will result in millions of people to dies from a preventable decision over the years.
The dismantling of USAID is also highly illegal. It was done without congressional approval, which is threatening the balance of powers between the President and Congress and needs to be corrected.
I ask you to do everything in your power to prevent this breach of Congress' legislative authority and the loss of life that is going to follow if we continue on this dangerous path. I'd appreciate any updates on your work in their area. You can reach me at [phone number] or by email at [email address].