Your Representatives Are Back in Their Districts – Hold Them Accountable!

Members of Congress and the Senate are back in their respective Districts and States during the summer recess that lasts through mid-September. This means they are away from the shelter of the Washington, DC bubble and are among their constituents, like you. They usually take this time to hold meetings either virtually or in-person to take the “pulse” of residents and we suggest you attend these meetings to let them know exactly what concerns you.

First, go to their official websites and sign up for their newsletter. You may locate your Representative and Senators and their websites by going to https://amac.us/find-your-representative/ and entering your address with zip code. Their District/State staff usually posts a calendar of events with additional information that they send to constituents so you’ll know exactly where your Representative or Senator will be. Second, ATTEND any meeting or event they schedule to hold them accountable for their voting record and the issues they support. Some districts are large, so look for events close to you or register for virtual events that allow audience participation. Third, speak up at the event about what is important to you:

For example, if you’re represented by a Democrat Representative or Senator, ask them:

• What they plan to do to curb the inflation we’re living with as a result of Biden’s economic policies?
• Why they support Biden’s reckless immigration policies that are literally spreading illegal immigrants, some who are COVID-19 positive, throughout the country?
• Why they support the irresponsible budget resolution that burdens future generations with staggering debt? When will this spending stop?
• Why do they support stripping states of their constitutional duty to administer elections by voting for the “For the People Act?”
• Why do they support Critical Race Theory that teaches our children to hate our country and further divides us?
• Why do they support the misinformation about COVID-19, mask wearing, and vaccinations? If we can’t trust institutions like the CDC, who can we trust? We require the answers to basic questions like: “Is mask wearing truly effective” and “If I’m vaccinated, why do I need to wear a mask when I was told I would not have to” and “Why masks for school age children when they are at the least risk for infection?”
• What they plan to do to address the rise in crime in cities throughout America?

For Republican Representatives and Senators:

• Thank them for fighting for free and fair elections by defeating the “For the People Act.”
• Ask them how they plan to defeat the next iteration of “election reform” legislation, the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act?”
• Ask them of their plan to stop the multi-trillion dollar spending the Democrats are pushing
• Ask them what you can do as constituents to help them

August is also the kick-off for many re-election campaigns. In addition to official events, many Representatives and Senators will host political events advertised on their re-election website. While political events often have less interaction than official events you might be able to ask questions to the candidate:

For Democratic candidates at political events:

• Ask if they support the progressive agenda being pushed by the “Squad” or if they want to see more moderate efforts
• Ask if they believe they have adequately represented their constituents to deserve re-election

For Republican Candidates at political events:

• Ask them if they believe Republicans will take the majority in whichever chamber they are running for
• Ask what they plan to do if Republicans take over the majority, especially when it comes to countering President Biden’s agenda

Remember “all politics is local” because it is local voters that matter more than national talking heads. Expressing respectful opposition or support for their positions will have an impact in how they act in the future while constituents who use incendiary language or are argumentative are easily ignored. Also, bring like-minded friends, including fellow AMAC Action chapter members, to reinforce your statements.

Together we can change how Congress works, either through influencing members or at the ballot box, but remaining silent won’t change anything!