As an ASBA member, you now have free access to news and updates on important issues from our legislative team in Washington DC.

July 2005
by James C. Musser, ASBA Washington Representative

George Washington built his capital city on drained swampland so it is little wonder that summers in DC can be brutal. Fortunately, we do not suffer from the stench of open cesspools and outdoor privies as they did in Washington's day but Congress still makes sure to get out of town to escape the Dog Days of August. That Summer District Work Period, as the August recess is officially known, offers an opportunity for small business people to call on their Member of Congress in his local office or at a town hall meeting to discuss issues of great importance to the small business community such as Association Health Plans, permanent repeal of the Death Tax or enhanced SBA lending authority.

In fact, there are two main opportunities to talk with a Congressman during the Summer District Work Period. First, most Congressmen use the District Work Period to hold town hall meetings so that they can talk with their constituents about what is happening in Washington. Those meetings often allow for questions from the audience and a real dialogue between the Member and the public he serves. Second, the Summer District Work Period means that the Member is in his local office and constituents can make an appointment to call on the Congressman without making the trip to the national capital. Either way there are a few key points to remember when speaking with a Member of Congress.

Be focused. Decide on one straight-forward question not one that has multiple parts. When asking a question, do not waste time with small talk or side issues that might distract the Member from the main point of the question. Constituents should keep in mind that the Congressman, in most cases, has over a half-million people in his or her district. There are lots of demands on the Member's time and many people have questions. That means that questions at town hall meetings need to be focused and to the point.

Be polite. Even if the Member is from a political party different from one's own, it pays to be courteous. Congressmen are rarely concerned about the political affiliation of the individual constituent in an open forum like a town hall meeting. The Member is there to explain what Congress is working on and to hear the concerns of those he represents, not to engage in political debate. As our grandmothers told us, we can catch more flies with honey and the Member is likely to be more receptive to a polite question than a hostile diatribe.

Finally, if one has several issues to discuss or needs more than just a few seconds of the Member's time, make an appointment to see him in his local office. Members tend to have more time and are more relaxed when they meet in their local offices. In Washington, Members have multiple committee meetings and legislative duties such as drafting laws, debating and voting. They are less likely to be distracted in the local office. The other rules still apply to office appointments just like town hall meetings and one must always keep an eye on the clock. Being prompt for any meeting and getting to the point quickly lets the Congressman know that he is dealing with a serious person who knows how to get things done.

James C. Musser, Esq. is a legislative consultant based in Falls Church, Virginia. His reports are updated monthly.