bp oil spill senate hearing

Learning how to write your congress member goes hand in hand with being a responsible citizen. But sometimes it’s not always easy to know what to write, why you should write or where to send those letters once you’ve written them. No matter what your reason for writing is the biggest why is that it gives you a voice, you have an opportunity to be heard. Here are some other reasons for why you should write.

Reasons to Write your Congress Member

• Pending bill that you want or don’t want passed
• You’re against impending budget cuts
• You want to change a law
• You want to propose a law
• Or just want to tell your Congress person that you appreciate the job they are doing

What to Write

Dear Mr. /Mrs. (use formal)

It is my understanding or I am concerned and state your issue. What is your resolution of the issue or do you have a question? Offer to help or ask what you can do to help. The letter doesn’t have to be long, a paragraph or two is fine. Thank your Congress person for their time.

If you are writing to change a current law, state all of the information about the law that you have. What your issues are and what you want your congress person to do. Don’t be demanding or pushy, be respectful and you shouldn’t use harsh words.

A Sample Letter

Dear Mrs. Clinton,

I am concerned about the lack of funding for healthcare for our nation’s uninsured children. The cost of healthcare is astronomical, more and more Americans are finding it difficult to pay for insurance. The recent budget cuts to the States subsidized health care for children is my specific concern. What is going to happen to these kids when assistance is no longer available to them? I would be very interested in hearing from you on this topic. What can I do to help to change this situation? How can I support the Children’s Health Insurance Plan in my area?

Sincerely,

Where to Send Your Letters

Senators and Representatives enjoy hearing from their constituents-they utilize these letters to gain insight to what the people they represent are thinking. You can write to your United States Senator and Representative in Washington, D.C., by just having the accurate zip code.

Senator’s Name

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Representative’s Name

United State’s House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

While you’re learning how to write your congress member don’t forget to register to vote while you’re at it. Write, vote, and be heard! I am woman hear me ROAR!

Do you think BP is responsible for paying the salaries of laid off workers due to Obama stopping drilling?

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6582NC20100609

Let me see if I understand your logic. Obama orders the shut down of drilling rigs that aren’t having any problems, costing thousands of Americans their jobs. And you think BP should pay for Obama’s actions? It’s not enough that BP is paying for all the cost of fixing the well and for all the cost of the clean up but they should also be forced to pay the salaries of people who no longer work for them.
BP is also not responsible for your rent each month but lets make them pay for that too. And since health care cost are rising lets stick that to BP also. Anything else that BP is not responsible for that you think they should pay for?

BP Hearing — Congressional Hearing on BP Oil Spill – Markey Q&A