Communicating with Capitol Hill
By Daniel Gurley, AOPA Government Affairs Department

With the 2008 Policy Forum behind us and possible changes to Medicare looming on the horizon, AOPA thought it would beneficial to highlight questions we receive from the membership regarding communicating with congressional representatives. 

Members of Congress want to hear from their constituents, and they will listen. Each legislator must consider a vast number of issues, so these issues are typically divided among their legislative assistants. LAs are responsible for following legislative activity and constituent support for each of their assigned issues. As they may be responsible for 20 or more broad issues, they are seldom experts in all of them. They rely on a multitude of resources to keep themselves knowledgeable on these issues. In the case of O&P, these resources include AOPA and individual O&P professionals. 

Here are some of the answers to common questions AOPA receives about communicating with Capitol Hill.

Q: What’s the best way to communicate with my Congressional representative?

A: Never underestimate the power of a constituent’s letter. Letters expressing a viewpoint can change a legislator’s mind. It is particularly helpful when that legislator is wavering on an issue. Personalized, or even handwritten, letters on your own stationery are the most effective. If the letter needs to be there immediately, consider faxing or e-mailing it and mailing the original. Make your letter as simple and clear as possible.

Phone calls are also powerful tools; however, you should be aware that when you call your legislator’s office, you will not necessarily speak to them directly. If you are calling about a particular piece of legislation, ask the person who answers the phone to direct you to the most appropriate staff member. More than likely, they will be able to take your comments down themselves. If you are calling about a general concern, ask to speak with the LA that is responsible for that subject matter. For most O&P concerns, you will probably want to speak with the health or veterans’ affairs LA.

Q: If I want to become more active, how can I learn the current issues affecting the O&P profession?

A: There are several ways to keep abreast of current issues that affect the O&P profession. AOPA staff updates the membership on legislative and regulatory issues through the O&P Almanac and the electronic newsletter AOPA in Advance.

In the near future, AOPA will also debut an online legislative toolbox that allows members to find their legislators, track pertinent legislation on a state and federal level, and correspond with legislators using
pre-written letters. We expect this to be fully available in early July. AOPA will notify members through AOPA in Advance when the system is up and running.

Q: How do I invite my members of Congress to visit my facility?

A: A facility visit/tour by members of Congress provides an unmatched opportunity to educate them and their staff about the role orthotics and prosthetics plays in the overall health and well-being of patients.

Send a letter to your legislator inviting him or her to visit. Outline who you are and what you would like to show them. Include how much time you suggest be allowed for the visit (usually one to two hours). Include directions to your facility.

Follow up with a phone call to their scheduler to see if the invitation has been received and its status. Keep in mind that you will have to be flexible and arrange the tour around the legislator’s schedule. In addition to formal recesses, members of Congress are most likely to be in their home districts on Mondays and Fridays.

AOPA staff will be happy to help you craft your message and provide you with handouts for your legislator. We can also assist you with press activities, as members of Congress are always looking for positive press opportunities.

Q: If I am going to be in the Washington, D.C. area and want to meet with my members of Congress, how can I set up a meeting?

A: If you are an AOPA member and will be in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact AOPA’s government affairs staff and we will be happy to help you schedule a meeting with your member of Congress.  For more information, contact Daniel Gurley at (571) 431-0876, ext. 212, or dgurley@AOPAnet.org.

Daniel Gurley is manager of regulatory affairs in AOPA’s Government Affairs department. Questions? Contact him at (571) 431-0812 or dgurley@AOPAnet.org.