Advocacy Tools

Do you want to take action but unsure of where to start? The templates and tips provided offer ideas on writing letters and contacting elected officials.

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.” John F. Kennedy

How a Bill Becomes a Law

In the House: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/lawsmade.toc.html

In the Senate: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/lawsmade.toc.html

House and Senate Floor Schedule/Calendar

Currently on the House Floor: http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.html

House Calendar: http://www.house.gov/house/House_Calendar.shtml

Senate Floor Schedule: http://www.senate.gov/

Senate Calendar: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/calendars/senate/browse.html

Legislative Contact Form

Contact your Representative in the House: http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Contact your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Below is a list of Congressional Committees of importance to the bleeding disorders community:

Senate Committees

• Appropriations
• Budget
• Finance
• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

House Committees

• Committee on Appropriations
• Committee on the Budget
• Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Addtional Tools

• Tips for Making a Congressional Appointment in DC
• Arranging Meetings in Your Members District
• Congressional Staff Roles
• Tips for Successful Legislative Visit
• Sample Thank You Letter or Email
• Tips for Writing Your Legislator
• Sample Letter
• Additional Tips for Communicating with Elected Officials

HFA Legislative Action Center

Our mission is to assist and advocate for the bleeding disorders community. This page is dedicated to providing tools to assist with advocacy efforts. If there is something you would like to see featured on this page please contact HFA at advocacy@hemophiliafed.org or 202-675-6984.