ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
CONTACT INFORMATION:
CHRISTINE MURPHY
ARIN ASSERO
DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
6534 MARLO DRIVE
12650 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SUITE 206
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA 22042
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607
PHONE: 703 738-1498
PHONE: 800-452-CURE (2873) EXT. 232
FAX: 703 349-5879
FAX: 818-487-7454
E MAIL: CMURPHY@MYELOMA.ORG
E-MAIL: AASSERO@MYELOMA.ORG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ADVOCACY PROGRAMS & RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VISITING YOUR LEGISLATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TEN RULES FOR CONGRESSIONAL VISITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DO'S AND DON'TS IN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GUIDE TO LEGISLATIVE STAFF TITLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
TEMPLATE ADVOCACY LETTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ADVOCACY PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
dvocacy is more than just understanding
i "Template Letters" which are provided to
the issues. To make a difference, you have
Atomakeyourvoiceheard.Theinvolve- sendviae-mailorfaxtoyourMembersof
ment of myeloma patients and their caregivers is
Congress on crucial policy issues.
vital to the success of IMF's grassroots efforts. To
assist you in your advocacy activities, IMF provides
i ASponsor Track@ which attaches information
the following services and information:
on relevant bill sponsorship on the bio pages of
Members of Congress.
` Advocacy Toolkits
i A AVote Scorecard@ listing every Member of
AAdvocacy Toolkits@ contain material to assist
Congress and how they voted on bills of inter-
myeloma advocates in developing collaborative
est to the myeloma community.
strategies to educate legislators on topical issues
affecting patients. The toolkit includes informa-
i
tion such as (1) How a Bill Becomes a Law; (2)
ACongress Today@ providing daily schedules
of House and Senate activity including commit-
Building Relationships with Legislators; (3) Do's
tee hearing schedules.
and Don'ts in Government Relations; (4) Glos-
sary of Legislative Terms; and, (5) Guide to Leg-
islative Staff Titles. The Packets are available for
i ATell a Friend@ which enables users to send
Alerts, Votes, and other legislative-related in-
downloading from the Advocacy section of
formation to one or more myeloma advocates.
IMF's web site at www.myeloma.org.
i A searchable "Guide on National and Lo-
cal Media" including newspapers, magazines,
` Myeloma Action Network
and TV networks and stations; users can send
Becoming a member of the Myeloma Action
e-mails, faxes or printed letters to newspaper
Network allows us to focus our "E-Mail Alerts"
journalists, radio talk show hosts, and television
directly to those myeloma advocates who re-
commentators.
side in the state or district of the legislators we
need to target. These Alerts provide strategic
information to affect key policy issues of interest
` Cancer Statement of Principles
to IMF and the myeloma community. To re-
IMF developed the Cancer Statement of
ceive the E-Mail Alerts, you must sign up on the
Principles to:
homepage of the IMF Advocacy Action Center
at www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
i Focus and establish the priority issues to be ad-
dressed by IMF.
` Advocacy Action Center
i Inform myeloma patients, colleague organiza-
IMF=s Advocacy Action Center offers "one stop"
tions, government officials, the media, and the
shopping for federal legislative and regulatory in-
public about IMF's public policy concerns.
formation. Found on the IMF Web site at
www.advocacy.myeloma.org, it contains infor-
i Provide a continuing framework for IMF to re-
mation on the important issues that IMF is track-
view and report on actions that address cur-
ing for you. You can send messages to your leg-
rent and past policy concerns.
islators directly from the site. The Action Center
also includes such features as:
1
The Cancer Statement of Principles
` Advocacy Updates
can be downloaded from the Advocacy
Advocacy updates on issues and legislation im-
section
of
IMF=s
web
site
at
portant to myeloma patients are included in
www.myeloma.org.
the e-mail newsletter Myeloma Minute and
the quarterly publication Myeloma Today.
Don=t forget that the Principles are ex-
These advocacy updates can also be viewed
cellent Aleave behinds@ when you meet
online on the Advocacy homepage at
with your Members of Congress!
www.myeloma.org.
` Public Policy Statements
IMF produces statements and letters aimed at
decision-makers on a variety of public policy is-
sues. These documents can be found on the
Advocacy homepage at www.myeloma.org.
CONTACT
Christine Murphy
Arin Assero
Director, Government Affairs
Communications and Public Policy
International Myeloma Foundation
International Myeloma Foundation
6534 Marlo Drive
12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Phone: 703-738-1498
Phone: 800-452-CURE (2873) EXT. 232
Fax: 703-349-5879
Fax: 818-487-7454
E-mail: cmurphy@myeloma.org
E-mail: aassero@myeloma.org
8/3/09
2
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS
eryone realizes that the effectiveness of your
Become a fountain of facts. Know the specifics
work often depends on the quality of your
needed to accomplish the goal curing myeloma and
Erelationships, like the bond you form with relatedissues.Alsobeawareoftheadvocacyplat-
your myeloma care providers. It is similar with
form and important issues identified by the IMF, as a
elected officials, as you must develop relationships
coordinated effort is needed to accomplish these
with legislators and their staffs long before you turn
goals for curing myeloma.
to them for assistant on an important issue you care
about. Strong interpersonal relationships are the best
Phases for relationship-building for effective legislative
means of influencing legislative decision making. Per-
advocacy include:
sonal visits, letters, phone calls, faxes, filling out web-
site forms and e-mails also are important, especially
1. Write and/or call legislators on current issues.
when they come from constituents who are well-
known, highly regarded, and have gone out of their
2. Make personal visits either in Washington, D.C.,
way to be helpful in a variety of ways in the past.
your state capitol, or in the home district offices
Building these relationships takes time and effort, but
on current issues or broad problems.
it's the most effective way to shape the thinking of
those who shape public policy.
3. Organize group visits on issues of mutual impor-
tance.
So how do you go about building these strong rela-
tionships with legislators? In much the same ways as
4. Invite legislators to support group meeting to
you cultivate friendships: by being personable and
learn more about the latest research and issues
helpful. Being helpful to a legislator cannot be over-
facing myeloma patients today. These events
emphasized. Become a useful and trustworthy
might result in legislators becoming a cancer ad-
source of sound information on issues impacting
vocate.
myeloma patients. Utilize your unique insight as a
cancer survivor, family member or caregiver to pro-
5. Get personally involved politically in legislators'
vide elected officials with contributions of your time
campaigns and the activities of your political par-
to help them with their own professional and political
ty.
needs and interests. Party affiliation (Democrat, In-
dependent or Republican) should not restrict you or
IMF is seeking your help in advocating for the pre-
your efforts as elected officeholders represents an
vention of and a cure for myeloma. Specifically, here
entire state, legislative district, or local government
are some ways you can work with IMF staff to build
and all the voters in those jurisdictions, You don't
relationships at the federal level:
have to be a member of the legislator's political party
1. Develop relationships with your elected officials
to work together and even to become friends.
so they can use you as a reliable and authorita-
tive source on myeloma issues.
Be sure to do some homework about the key issues
your elected officials are interested in and working
2. Participate with IMF in advocacy activities and
on currently. Try to tie in personal connections or
with other coalitions who are on similar missions
interests when speaking with elected officials whose
to cure cancer and approve health status.
opinion you are trying to influence with your facts
and personal story. Additionally treat their staff with
3. Where appropriate, provide financial support for
the same importance as the elected official as staff
legislators' campaigns by making individual
can hold valuable sway with their boss and influence
contributions.
your relationship and success on issues.
3
These steps will progressively build your credibility
5. When talking to legislators, try to be concise, well
with the officeholder. Establishing a reputation as an
organized, and mindful of the other person's time.
objective data source, for example, builds credibility
State your view firmly, but be attentive to the
for subsequent communications expressing opinions
elected official's position also.
on issues. Political activity establishes you as a friend
whose views are likely to receive more weight than
6. Open the discussion by reminding the legislators
those of someone who writes from time to time.
who you are and why IMF and you are seeking
assistance related to curing myeloma. If your visit
PERSONAL VISITS
is about a specific piece of legislation, know the is-
Personal meetings with legislators and their key staff
sue and the bill number. Clearly state your con-
members are the most effective way to make your
cern about the issue, how it will affect you perso-
case on an issue. Such visits also are a good way to
nally and others in your similar situation, their fam-
introduce you as a constituent. A personal meeting
ilies, caregivers, etc. Avoid harsh accusations. Be
can be difficult to accomplish with the elected officials
polite and respectful. Often, we forget how we
themselves, but remember that you are offering an
sound when we are particularly passionate about
important contact. You can arrange the meeting with
an issue.
the legislator directly or through staff aides.
7. Always be truthful and never mislead. Your per-
The following suggestions will help make the best
sonal credibility and that of IMF is at stake. If you
use of your time and the legislators:
don't have the answer to a question, do not im-
provise. Promise to get back to them with the ne-
1. Always make an appointment. Arranging the first
cessary information, and be sure to do so
meeting may require patience on your part, but
promptly.
be persistent. Later, as you become known as a
resource, gaining appointments will be less diffi-
8. Come prepared with a brief (one-page) position
cult. This situation will occur especially if you also
paper that summarizes your points with facts, and
become known as a campaign contributor, poli-
leave it behind with the legislators or staff aides. If
tical activist, or myeloma leader who can muster
a lengthier document, or answers to questions, is
support on the issues from a variety of groups
relevant, send them later with a thank-you for
through your coalition activities.
taking the time to meet with you.
2. Be prepared to meet with key legislative person-
9. To gain a favorable vote, follow up with letter(s)
nel or committee staff members if the legislator is
and calls to legislators and their key staff advisors
unavailable at the last moment. Briefing these
at appropriate points as the issue progresses.
people before your visit also may be useful so that
they can prepare the legislator. Staff aides are of-
10. Maintain the relationship. Get your name on
ten more knowledgeable about details of a spe-
legislative e-mail lists. Find occasions to see the
cific issue than lawmakers themselves.
legislators again in appropriate circumstances,
and write to them on the issues from time to
3. If several individuals join you in the visit, decide
time. If you obtain reports or data that will be
in advance who will be the principal spo-
useful to legislators and their aides and that you
kesperson. That individual, of course, should
can share with them, send those documents
encourage others to participate in the discussion
with a brief personal cover note. Eventually,
to share particular expertise or experiences.
you may even find the legislator coming to you
for information, help, or your point of view on
4. If you want to discuss a specific issue, make sure
new issues.
you are thoroughly familiar with all aspects of it
before going into the meeting.
8/3/09
4
COMMUNICATING WITH
YOUR LEGISLATOR
face-to-face meeting is the most effective
` Be courteous and include key information, using
way of communicating with your legisla-
examples to support your position. Explain how
Ators.However,suchmeetingstendtobe the legislation would affect you, others with
the exception and not the rule. What then are the
myeloma, and the cancer research community.
other ways of communicating and what is the pre-
ferred method? One rule that applies no matter
` Ask for a reply from your elected officials ex-
which method you choose --- make sure you use
plaining their position on the issue you care
a communication means that will get your opinion
about. This should help you not receive the typ-
to your legislator BEFORE a vote on an issue you
ical form-letter response, and help them keep
care about happens.
your views in mind should this legislation come
up for a vote. Reminder: as a constituent, you
are entitled to know the positions of your
TIPS ON PREPARING AND SENDING LETTERS
Members of Congress.
The letter is the most popular choice of communi-
cation with a congressional office. However, since
` Thank your elected officials if they vote in a way
several incidents on Capitol Hill, you are advised to
favorable to myeloma or other cancer related
fax your letters to your Members of Congress
issues. They appreciate compliments and will
unless time is not a factor.
remember positive feedback.
If you decide to fax a letter, this list of helpful sug-
` Do not hesitate to state your displeasure, but
gestions will improve the impact of the letter:
always be polite. Even if they oppose your posi-
tion, you will want their help on another issue
` Write on personal stationary.
on another day.
` Be sure your return address is on your letter
itself and envelope. Envelopes normally get de-
Addressing Correspondence:
tached, discarded, or misplaced before the an-
swer is written.
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
` Be accurate. Spell names correctly and verify
(Room #), (name of) Senate Office Building
information. You can check names, addresses,
United States Senate
and fax numbers by going to the IMF Advoca-
Washington, DC 20510
cy Action Center at
www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
Dear Senator (last name):
` State your purpose for writing in the first para-
graph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a
To a Representative:
specific piece of legislation, identify it according-
The Honorable (full name)
ly, e.g., House bill: H. R. #, Senate bill: S. #.
(Room #), (name of) House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
` Address only one issue in each letter; and, if
Washington, DC 20515
possible, keep the letter to one page.
Dear Representative (last name):
5
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee
` State the reasons you support or oppose the
or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to ad-
bill. Ask for your Senator's or Representative's
dress them as:
position on the bill. You may also request a
written response to your telephone call.
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
or
TIPS FOR DECIDING WHICH OFFICE
TO CALL
Dear Mr. Speaker or Madam Speaker:
Call the Washington D.C. office when you
want to discuss the technical aspects of the bill
in question.
TIPS ON TELEPHONING
If there is not time to fax your letter stating your
Call the district office when you want to make
concerns/support, make a phone call instead. To
a political statement by contacting your legisla-
find your legislator's phone number, go to the IMF
website's searchable online congressional directo-
tor's top political person in the district. That
ry which is contained in the IMF Advocacy Ac-
person will make sure your message gets to
tion Center at www.advocacy.myeloma.org or
the elected official.
call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-31-
21 and ask for your Senator's and/or Representa-
tive's office.
TIPS ON E-MAILING CONGRESS
If you cannot fax your letter or call, then e-mail.
` Remember that telephone calls are most often
Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing
taken by a staff member, not the Member of
letters to your Members of Congress. You can
Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who han-
e-mail your legislators directly from IMF's Advo-
dles the issue on which you wish to comment.
cacy Action Center at
www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
` After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would
like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell
Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/
oppose (S. #/H.R. #) ."
8/3/09
6
VISITING YOUR LEGISLATORS
Important Points to Remember
s you visit your state or federal legislators,
you will want to be mindful of various
< How will the bill affect the legislator's reelec-
Acharacteristics of the legislative process. tionprospects?
These qualities influence how policy is made,
< What are constituents (citizen voters) saying
including the effect of your interaction with
about the issue?
congressional staff. Remember the following points
< What are the views of the news media, com-
about the legislative process, knowing that
munity and business leaders, and local interest
policymaking is not a straightforward process:
groups?
< What will be the impact on the economy and
1. The legislative process is deliberately
jobs?
complex, ensuring that proposed new laws and
< Are any significant local campaign supporters
policies
receive
the
fullest
possible
taking a public position on the issue?
consideration. Most bills introduced never
< What is the advice from the legislator's staff
receive any action at all, and few of those
members and advisers?
considered become law. Also, a legislative pro-
< Is this issue consistent with the legislator's pre-
posal may be introduced year after year before
vious votes on related matters, and with his
it gains consideration. Hang in there; evaluate
or her political and economic philosophies?
how you might approach your goal when you
< Do these political factors need to be
try again.
addressed explicitly during your congressional
visit, or implicitly as you shape and practice
2. Every legislative body has informal cus-
the message you are attempting to deliver?
toms and practices. These customs and
practices can be as important as the body's
5. The legislative process is customarily
formal rules. For example, key policy decisions
very open. Every interested citizen usually has
are made by the leadership in some legislatures,
the opportunity to offer input and express
by a policy committee in others, and by the
opinions at various stages of the process. Public
majority party members in yet others. Who is
comments are welcome. Although the process
making the decisions?
is complex, with many hidden and open factors
influencing it, the government is of and by the
3. All of the government including the legis-
people. Do not be shy about expressing your-
lature is political. Candidates for most
self; just approach your meetings in full aware-
legislative seats are nominated through partisan
ness of the context in which you are working.
political processes and chosen in partisan elec-
tions. The political party that wins a majority of
When you participate actively in the political
seats in each legislative body also wins the right
process, you are joining a lively discussion on
to pick the leaders of that body, and often the
public policy. Legislators lobby (attempt to
staff. Consider how party politics might shape
influence) each other and are influenced, in
your approach to your goal.
turn, by the executive branch of government,
other public and private interests, and self-styled
4. Legislative proposals may be weighed
activists.
subjectively. They are often considered not
only on their merits but also on these basic
political questions:
8/03/09
7
CONGRESSIONAL VISITS
HYMEL'S* TEN RULES FOR DEALING WITH STAFF
1. Keep it short ­ both your message and your visit.
2. Know the arguments on the other side.
3. Document your position. Prepare a summary and supporting papers. Leave them
with the staffer.
4. Promise (and keep your promise) to supply answers and documents requested as
follow-up actions from your visit.
5. Never threaten.
6. If you see a member alone, make sure you follow up with a staffer.
7. Tell them why the legislators might be interested in your position, from a local or
issue-related point of view.
8. If you have allies, tell them who they are.
9. If they agree with your position, leave soon.
10. As former Representative Lindy Boggs said, "Always say please and always say thank
you." The basic rules of courtesy apply.
* Gary Hymel served as Chief of Staff to House Majority Leader Hale Boggs (D-
Louisiana) and Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill (D-Massachusetts)
and is well known as one of the most effective Washington, DC insiders.
7/29/09
8
THE DO=S & DON=TS IN
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
t's easy to find reasons not to get involved: "I
patients, and we hope you will agree to cospon-
don't have time to make a phone call." "No one
sor it." Even verbal commitments are tough to
Iwilllistentome.@"Theydon'tcarewhatIhave break.
to say." "I don't have any experience." "What if they
ask me a question I can't answer?" The rationale is
Do realize that talking to the staff is like
endless. Deep down, many people may simply be
talking to the elected official. Treat staff the
afraid of embarrassing themselves. The following list
same way you would treat the elected official.
of do's and don'ts to provide useful tips to help en-
Officials often rely on staff to advise them on how
sure that your government relations experiences
to vote or craft legislation, and they also develop
are positive and successful.
interpersonal relationships with trusted staffers. If
you alienate the staff you are asking for trouble.
DO'S
Do be early for meetings. An elected official's
Do remember that you have knowledge of
schedule can be filled down to the minute. They
myeloma that ordinary citizens do not and
don't have time to wait for you, even though you
that makes you a trusted and respected
may have to wait for them.
source. Legislators and their staff seek specialized
knowledge that they don't have. Trust that they will
Do avoid jargon. Although you are an expert,
listen to you and respect you because you are an
try to frame your comments as small bul et points
expert.
of information that can be easily understood by a
layperson. While your knowledge may be impres-
Do consult your IMF Advocacy Toolkit for
sive, if you lose your audience your message will
specific tips on letter writing, personal visits,
be lost.
e-mail, and phone calls. Detailed information is
available for your reference, so use your resources.
Do leave something behind. At the minimum,
leave your business card or contact information so
Do try to personalize the issue by giving ex-
the staff or elected official can contact you with
amples of how you, your family and commu-
questions. Optimally, you should provide a useful
nity are affected by myeloma. You would be
`leave-behind' that summarizes your position on
amazed at how much more weight is given to a
an issue in digestible tidbits. Statistics and their ref-
constituent's concerns than to those of a lobbyist;
erence are always a plus, as staff will often use
but the message must be meaningful. Legislators
information from "leave-behinds" in speeches or
and their staff know that organizations try to mobi-
as talking points on the issue.
lize their members to send e-mails or letters on
certain issues. If the letter reads like a form letter, it
Do be realistic. Thousands of bills are intro-
will not have the same impact as a personal letter
duced during each legislative session, but fewer
that includes examples and personal experiences.
than 10% are enacted. Don't be discouraged if
your bill does not pass. You have established rela-
Do get a commitment. At the close of a per-
tionships, educated staff and elected officials, and
sonal visit or meeting, you should attempt to secure
built support for your position. If you have accom-
a commitment from the official that he/she will sup-
plished these things, you have laid the ground-
port your position. For example, you might say in
work and increased your chances that a bill will
closing, "So we can count on your support on
pass the next time.
Wednesday?" or "We hope you will recognize this
amendment is important for the quality care of our
9
Do come prepared to defend your position.
Do disagree respectfully. If a legislator has an
You always have to know what your opposition is
opposing position on an issue and you are unable
up to. If you anticipate questions and are prepared
to change his/her mind, remain respectful of the
in advance to defend your position, you will cut
time he/she gave you to state your position. If
your opposition off.
possible, compliment the legislator on his/her
work on another issue. The legislator will appre-
Do dress appropriately in business attire.
ciate your understanding and be impressed by
Remember the purpose of your visit is to talk about
your knowledge of his/her record.
professional issues. To be most effective, you
should appear organized and professional.
Do say thank you. Whether you are following
up after a personal visit or thanking a member for
Do be loyal to your friends. Like-minded indi-
fighting in committee for one small provision that
viduals who work on issues similar to yours can be
was important to you, it is always nice to recog-
powerful advocates in public policy. They might call
nize another's efforts. Legislators and their staff
you with inside information or invite you to partici-
work hard, and most have great intentions, so
pate in an outreach activity. If you undermine your
your sincere thanks are always appreciated.
friends, they will not be around the next time you
need help.
Do provide helpful information whenever
possible. Providing information is always appreci-
Do recognize the value of compromise. You
ated. If you send a copy of a current report or an
may not get everything you want. However, isn't it
article you think the staff or elected official would
better, for instance, to get some money for cancer
find interesting, you present yourself as a consider-
research than a full amount specifically for myeloma?
ate, alert person who wants to help. When you
Think about areas in which you are prepared to
provide useful information and are not asking for
compromise and identify those that are not negoti-
any specific action in return, in effect, you are re-
able. In some cases, you may even want to antic-
minding the recipient of who you are and are pro-
ipate compromise by asking for more than you ac-
viding them with a nonthreatening communication
tually want. But be careful and don't concede any-
that will be appreciated.
thing until the timing is right.
Do ask IMF for help. We are committed to
Do keep your phone call or visit brief and to
helping you. If you need help, contact the mem-
the point. While staff or the elected official will
bers of IMF's advocacy team.
usually be polite, it is incumbent on you to recog-
nize that they are very busy. Keep your meeting
pleasant and brief, and start looking for clues that it's
time to wrap things up after fifteen minutes. Meet-
ings should rarely last more than twenty minutes,
DON'TS
but take your cue from the person with whom you
are meeting.
Don't participate in political activities in
the name of the IMF unless you are advo-
Do make friends before you need them.
cating an issue on which the IMF has taken
Whenever possible, develop relationships before
a position.
you have to ask for something. Try to become fa-
miliar with legislators who work on issues of interest
Don't pretend to know something that
to you, even if nothing is developing on that topic or
you don't. If you make up information or skirt
in his/her committee at the time. One obvious place
around an issue, you'll come off as disingenuous
to start is by getting to know the members of the
and lose your credibility. Most people can spot a
health care committees at your federal, state, or
phony.
local levels.
10
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know." Legis-
Nothing is more offensive and inappropriate then
lators aren't expected to be experts on everything,
threatening someone to get them to do what you
and neither are you. Admitting you don't know the
want and it will backfire one hundred times out of
answer to something can be a good thing, because
one hundred.
it gives you the opportunity to say, AI don't know,
but I can research that and get back to you." Then,
Don't become cynical. Keep the faith! Re-
when you have an answer, you have another op-
member that most people who serve in public
portunity to make contact with the staff or elected
office do so because they want to make a differ-
official.
ence. Try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Don't name-drop unless it is directly rele-
Don't disparage other elected officials. This
vant. It is okay to mention in passing, for example,
will make your contacts wonder if you're saying
that you worked with someone from Senator John
the same thing about them to a staff member
Doe's office on a related issue last year or that you
from a different office. It will always make you look
testified before a committee on the issue. But it is
bad.
probably not appropriate to mention that you play-
ed tennis with Senator Doe last Thursday.
Don't promise something you can't deliv-
er. You must be as good as your word or you will
Don't make threats. Any threats, veiled or
lose your credibility.
overt, are usually recognized for what they are.
8/3/09
11
GUIDE TO LEGISLATIVE STAFF TITLES
ach legislator has staff to assist him/her
Press Secretary (Press Secy)
during a term in office. To be most effective
Communications Director (Comm Dir)
Eincommunicatingwithyourlegislators,itis ThePressSecy'sresponsibilityistobuildandmain-
helpful to know the titles and principal functions of
tain open and effective lines of communication be-
his/her key staff.
tween the Member, his/her constituency, and the
general public. The Press Secy is expected to know
the benefits, demands, and special requirements of
Administrative Assistant (AA)
both print and electronic media, and how to pro-
Chief of Staff (CoS)
mote the member's views or position on specific
The AA reports directly to the legislator. He or she
issues most effectively.
usually has overall responsibility for evaluating the
political outcome of various legislative proposals
and constituent requests. The AA is usually the per-
Appointment Secretary (Appt Secy)
son in charge of overall office operations, including
Personal Secretary or Scheduler (Sch)
the assignment of work and the supervision of key
The Appt Secy is responsible for allocating a Mem-
staff.
ber's time among the many demands that arise
from congressional responsibilities, staff require-
ments, and constituent requests. The Appt Secy
Legislative Director (LD)
may also be responsible for making necessary
Senior Legislative Assistant (Sr. LA)
travel arrangements, arranging speaking dates, visits
Legislative Coordinator (LC)
to the district, etc.
The LD is the staff person who monitors the legis-
lative schedule and makes recommendations re-
garding the pros and cons of particular issues. In
Caseworker
some offices there may be one LD or Senior LA,
The Caseworker is the staff member assigned to
but several LAs. In this case, each LA has responsi-
help with constituent requests by preparing replies
bilities assigned to them based on their particular
for the legislator's signature. The Caseworker's re-
expertise in specific areas. For example, depending
sponsibilities may also include helping resolve prob-
on the responsibilities and interests of the Member,
lems constituents present in relation to state/federal
an office may have a different LA for health issues,
agencies, e.g., Social Security and Medicare issues,
education, family and children, etc.
veteran's benefits, passports, etc. Congressional
offices often have several Caseworkers on staff.
7/29/09
12
HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW
nyone can draft a bill; however, only mem-
Step 5 - Committee Actions to
bers of Congress can introduce legislation,
Report a Bill
Aandbydoingsobecomethesponsor(s). Afterreceivingasubcommittee'sreportonabill,
There are four basic types of legislation: bills, joint
the full committee can conduct further study and
resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple
hearings, or it can vote on the subcommittee's
resolutions. The official legislative process begins
recommendations and any proposed amend-
when a bill or resolution is numbered (H.R. signi-
ments. The full committee then votes on its rec-
fies a House bill and S. a Senate bill), referred
ommendation to the House or Senate. This pro-
to a committee, and printed by the Government
cedure is called "ordering a bill reported."
Printing Office.
Step 6 - Publication of a Written
Step 1 - Referral to Committee
Report
With few exceptions, bills are referred to standing
After a committee votes to have a bill reported,
committees in the House or Senate according to
the committee chair has staff to prepare a written
specific rules of procedure. The names of the stand-
report on the bill. This report describes the pur-
ing committees can be found on the IMF Advocacy
pose and extent of what the legislation will do its
Action Center at
impact on existing laws and programs, the position
www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
of the executive branch, and the views of dissent-
ing members of the committee.
Step 2 - Committee Action
When a bill reaches a committee, it is placed on the
Step 7 - Scheduling Floor Action
committee's calendar. A bill can be referred to a
After a bill is reported back to the chamber
subcommittee or considered by the committee as a
(House or Senate) where it originated, it is placed
whole. It is at this point that a bill is examined care-
in chronological order on the calendar. In the
fully and its chances for passage are determined. If
House there are several different legislative calen-
the committee does not act on a bill, it is the equiv-
dars, and the Speaker and majority leader largely
alent of killing it.
determine if, when, and in what order bills come
up. In the Senate there is only one legislative ca-
Step 3 - Subcommittee Review
lendar.
Often bills are referred to a subcommittee for study
and hearings. Hearings provide the opportunity to
Step 8 - Debate
put on the official printed record the views of the
When a bill reaches the floor of the House or Se-
executive branch, experts (e.g., myeloma patients
nate, there are rules or procedures governing the
or researchers), other public officials, and suppor-
debate on legislation. These rules determine the
ters and opponents of the legislation. Testimony can
conditions and amount of time allocated for gen-
be given in person or submitted as a written state-
eral debate.
ment.
Step 9 - Voting
Step 4 - Mark Up
After the debate and the approval of any amend-
When the hearings are completed, the subcommit-
ments, the bill is passed or defeated by the mem-
tee may meet to "mark up" the bill, that is, make
bers voting.
changes and amendments prior to recommending
the bill to the full committee. If a subcommittee
Step 10 - Referral to Other Chamber
votes not to report legislation to the full committee,
When a bill is passed by the House or the Senate
the bill dies.
it is referred to the other chamber where it usually
13
follows the same route through committee and
Step 12 - Final Actions
floor action. This chamber may approve the bill as
After a bill has been approved by both the House
received, reject it, ignore it, or change it.
and Senate in identical form, it goes to the Presi-
dent for signature. If the President approves the
Step 11 - Conference Committee
legislation and signs it, it becomes law. Or, the
Action
President can take no action for ten days, while
If only minor changes are made to a bill by the oth-
Congress is in session, and it automatically be-
er chamber, it is common for the legislation to go
comes law. If the President opposes the bill it can
back to the first chamber for concurrence (mutual
be vetoed. If the President takes no action within
agreement by both chambers). However, when the
10 days after the Congress has adjourned its
actions of the other chamber significantly change the
second session (second year of a two-year pe-
bill, a conference committee (members are made
riod), the effect is a "pocket veto" and the legisla-
up of representatives from both chambers) is form-
tion dies.
ed to reconcile the differences between the House
and Senate versions. If the conferees are unable to
Step 13 - Overriding a Veto
reach agreement, the legislation dies. If agreement is
If the President vetoes a bill, Congress may at-
reached, a conference report is prepared describing
tempt to "override the veto." To do this, Congress
the committee members' recommendations for
requires a two-thirds roll call vote of the members
changes. Both the House and the Senate must ap-
who are present in suf icient numbers for a quo-
prove of the conference report.
rum.
7/29/09
14
GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS
Act B Legislation that has passed both chambers of
Closed Rule B In the House, a prohibition against
Congress and become law.
amendments not approved by the committee
which brought the bill to the floor. The House must
Adjourn B To close a legislative day.
either accept or reject the bil Aas is@.
Amendment B A change in a bill or document by
Cloture B Method of limiting debate or ending a
adding, substituting, or omitting portions.
filibuster in the Senate. At least 60 Senators must
vote in favor before cloture can be invoked.
Appropriations Bill B Legislation that provides
funds for authorized programs.
Cosponsor B Member who joins in sponsoring
legislation but who is not the principal sponsor or
Authorization Bill B Legislation establishing a
the one who introduced the legislation.
program and setting funding limits.
Commit B To refer a bil or matter to a com-
Bill B Legislation introduced in either the House or
mittee.
Senate.
Committee B A group of Members assigned to
By Request B Phrase used when a member intro-
give special consideration to certain bills. See Joint
duces a bil at the request of an executive agency or
Committee.
private organization but does not necessarily
endorse the legislation.
Committee of the Whole B A mechanism to
expedite business in the House whereby the House
Calendar B List and schedule of bills to be consid-
itself becomes a committee, allowing for less rigid
ered by a committee.
rules and a quorum of 100 instead of 218.
Caucus B Meeting of Republican or Democratic
Companion Bills B Identical bills introduced sepa-
Members of Congress to determine policy and/or
rately in both the Senate and the House.
choose leaders.
Concurrent Resolution B Legislative action used
Chair B Presiding of icer.
to express the position of the House or Senate.
Does not have the force of law.
Chamber B Place where the entire House or
Senate meets to conduct business; also, the House
Conference Committee B Meeting between
of Representatives or the Senate itself.
Representatives and Senators to resolve differences
when two versions of a similar bil have been pass-
Clean Bill B A bill that has been revised in mark-
ed by the House and Senate.
up. Amendments are assembled with unchanged
language and the bill is referred to the floor with a
Congressional Record B Official transcript of the
new number.
proceedings in Congress.
Cloak Rooms B Smal rooms on the House and
Continuing Resolution B A resolution enacted
Senate floor where members can rest and hold
to allow specific Executive Branch agencies to
informal conferences.
continue operating even though funds have not
been appropriated for them for the fol owing fiscal
Closed Hearing B Hearings closed to all but
year.
members, staff, and witnesses testifying; also called
Executive Hearings.
15
Discharge Petition B A petition for the purpose
Lame Duck B Member of Congress (or the Presi-
of removing a bill from the control of a committee.
dent) who has not been reelected but whose term
A discharge petition must be signed by a majority of
has not yet expired.
Members in the House or Senate.
Lobbying B The process of attempting to influence
Engrossed Bill B Final copy of a bill passed by
the passage, defeat, or content of legislation by
either the House or Senate with amendments. The
individuals or a group other than Members of
bill is then delivered to the other chamber.
Congress.
Enrolled Bill B Final copy of a bill that has passed
Logrolling B Process whereby Members help
both the House and Senate in identical form.
each other get particular legislation passed. One
Member wil help another on one piece of
Extension of Remarks B When a Member of
legislation in return for similar help.
Congress inserts in the Congressional Record
material not directly related to the debate
Main Motion B Motion that introduces the busi-
underway.
ness or proposal to the assembly for action.
Filibuster B Tactic used in the Senate whereby a
Majority Leader B Chief spokesperson and
minority intentionally delays a vote.
strategist for the majority party, elected by
Members of the majority party.
Final Passage B Adoption of a bill after all amend-
ments have been voted on.
Marking Up a Bill B Process, usually in com-
mittee, of analyzing a piece of legislation section by
Fiscal Year B Accounting year. For the federal
section and making changes.
government, the fiscal year (FY) is October 1 to
September 30 of the fol owing calendar year.
Member (of Congress) B A U.S. Senator or U.S.
Representative.
Floor Manager B A Member who attempts to
direct a bill through the debate and amendment
Minority Leader B Chief spokesperson and
process to a final vote.
strategist for the minority party, elected by
Members of the minority party.
General Consent B A unanimous silent vote. If
there is no objection to the matter, it is resolved
Motion B Proposal presented to a legislative body
without a formal vote.
for consideration.
Germane B Having some relation to the bill in
Motion to Table B Proposal to postpone
question. In the House all amendments must be
consideration of a matter in the Senate.
germane.
Omnibus Bill B Bill regarding a single subject that
Hearing B Committee sessions for hearing wit-
combines many different aspects of that subject.
nesses.
Open Rule B In the House, permission to of er
Hopper B Box on the desk of the Clerk of the
amendments to a particular bill during floor debate.
House where sponsors submit their bills.
Override a Veto B Two-thirds majority vote by
Joint Committee B Committee composed of
both the House and Senate to set aside a
Members of both the House and Senate.
Presidential veto of legislation.
Joint Resolution B Legislation similar to a bill that
Petition B Plea by an individual or organization for
has the force of law if passed by both chambers and
a chamber to consider particular legislation.
signed by the President; general y used for special
situations.
16
Pocket Veto B An indirect veto. When the
Resolution B A measure passed only in one house
President does not sign or veto legislation submitted
to express the sentiment of that chamber. A simple
to him/her by Congress within ten days of
resolution does not have the force of law.
adjournment, the bill dies.
Rider B A measure added to another, often unre-
Point of Order B An objection that language, an
lated, bill with the purpose of one piece of
amendment, or bill is in violation of a rule. Also
legislation passing on the strength of another.
used to force a quorum cal .
Roll Call Vote B In the House, an oral vote for
President of the Senate B The Vice President of
which a record is kept.
the United States is designated by the Constitution
as the President of the Senate. The President of the
Seniority B Length of unbroken service, often
Senate casts a vote only in the case of a tie.
used to determine rank in committees.
Previous Question B In the House, it is a request
S ine Die B Final adjournment at the end of a
to end al debate and force a vote.
session. Bills under consideration but not enacted
must be reintroduced in the next session.
Private Bill B Bill designed to benefit a certain
individual or business.
Speaker B The presiding of icer of the House,
elected by Members of the House.
President Pro Tempore B Senator who presides
over the Senate in the absence of the Vice
Sponsor B The Representative or Senator who
President of the U.S. The President Pro Tem is
introduces a measure.
usually the longest-serving Member of the majority
party.
Suspend the Rules B Procedural action in the
House whereby a two-thirds majority can vote to
Public Law
bring a measure to a vote after forty minutes of de-
B Designation used for legislation that
has been passed by both chambers and signed by
bate.
the President.
Table a Bill B Motion to kill a bill by cutting of
Quorum
consideration of it. Such motions are not debatable.
B The number of Senators or
Representatives who must be present before a
legislative body can conduct of icial business.
Unanimous Consent B A procedure whereby a
matter is considered agreed to if no Member on
Quorum Call
the floor objects. Unanimous Consent motions
B In the Senate, a method of deter-
mining whether there is a quorum. Often used to
save time by eliminating the need for a vote.
suspend debate without adjourning.
Whip B Assistant leader for each party in each
Ranking Members
chamber who keeps other Members of the party
B The Members of the
majority and minority party on a committee next in
informed of the legislative agenda of the leader. Also
seniority after the chair.
tracks sentiment among party Members for certain
legislation and tries to persuade Members to be
Recess
present and vote for measures important to the
B Temporary halt to proceedings, with a
time set for proceedings to resume.
leadership.
Record Vote
Yield B Permission granted by the Member who
B Vote in which Members of
Congress indicate their vote orally for listing in the
has the floor to another Member who wishes to
Congressional Record.
make a comment or ask a question.
Rescission Bill B Legislation that revokes spending
authority previously granted by Congress.
17
IMF Constituent Template Letter to Member of Congress
Date
The Honorable INSERT FIRST/LAST NAME
United States House of Representatives/Senate
Room Number and Of ice Building
Washington, DC 20515/20510
Dear Representative/Senator LAST NAME:
I am writing to you as your constituent and as a myeloma (patient, doctor, nurse, caregiver, etc) to
INSERT YOUR PURPOSE FOR WRITING (If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation,
identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____).
INSERT PERSONAL INFORMATION HERE: Tel your own story or a patient's (being mindful not to
use anyone's real name) and explain the relevance to the issue at hand. Personal stories and il ustrations
of local impact are remembered more easily by policymakers and their staf than statistics and generic
examples. Moreover, personal stories often are what spur policymakers to action, not statistics. The reality
is that our policymakers often legislate by anecdote.
Myeloma is a cancer in the bone marrow af ecting production of red cells, white cells, and stem cells.
Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer after lymphomas af ecting an estimated 750,000
people worldwide and its prevalence appears to be increasing significantly. In 2009, 20,580
Americans were diagnosed with myeloma and 10,580 lost their battle with this disease.
Thank you very much for your attention to my correspondence and for your continued commitment
to finding a cure for myeloma. If I can be of any assistance to you or your staf , please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Sincerely,
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
E-MAIL
18

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