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July 2006
by James C. Musser, ASBA Washington Representative

Each year at this time your humble columnist reminds ASBA members that the congressional Summer District Work Period, as the August recess is officially known, offers an opportunity for small business people to act as their own lobbyist and 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 or permanent repeal of the Death Tax.

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 a trip to the national capital. Since this is an election year, Members of Congress are likely to be in their states or home districts on a more frequent basis and will be even more receptive than usual.

When approaching one’s Congressman or Senator at a town hall meeting or other public forum, 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. 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 or other public events need to be focused and to the point.

Like your mother always told you, 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 the old saying goes, 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 or her in his local office. Members tend to have more time and are more relaxed when they meet in their local offices. However, if the Member is not available at the time one has to see him, the meeting may take place with a trusted staff person. Staffers, both in the state offices and in Washington, fill a vital role in taking in constituent interests and passing the message on to the Representative or Senator. Whether meeting with the Member or staff, the other rules still apply to office appointments just like town hall meetings and always keep an eye on the clock. Time is always of the essence.

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