2008 Steward's Manual - Legislative Activities
Introduction
A Federal employee union is responsible for representing its members before their employer. Besides working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Commerce, NWSEO members, in effect, also work at the direction of the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The United States Congress determines both the mission and means available to carry out the mission of the agency. But the Members of Congress need to be kept up-to-date on the specifics of what services NOAA employees provide for the American public. Basically, NOAA is scientific agency that provides both regulatory guidance and direct service to the American public in the oceanic and atmospheric scientific fields.
NWSEO alone, no other organization in the country, represents the interests of the federal employees directly involved in these scientific endeavors and promotes the professionalism of the services provided in the oceanic and atmospheric scientific fields.
Therefore, NWSEO has established the following legislative priorities:
- Promote and lobby for sufficient funding to carry out the mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its line offices, with particular attention paid to the Operational and Research Budgets passed each year by Congress. No other civilian agency in the federal government has as high an approval rating by the American public as does the National Weather Service.
Unlike other NOAA agencies, the NWS provides direct, public safety service to every American from Caribou, ME, to Guam in the South Pacific, and from Cold Bay, AK, to San Juan, PR. When we say every American, we mean every single American everywhere. With a budget as small as $2 a year per person, every single American receives daily weather reports and warnings of life threatening storms and severe weather.
The leading causes of death from weather related events are lightning, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. The average number of weather related deaths caused by lightning, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes per year during the 1940s is 592. The forecasts issued by the men and women of the National Weather Service reduced the number of yearly deaths in the 1980s to only 222.
- Stop the privatization of NOAA services with particular emphasis on the critical life saving services of the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service's $4.5 billion dollar modernization program was supposed to have paid $8 dollars back for every $1 dollar invested in the process. Instead, the U.S. House of Representatives has been attempting to pass legislation that would prevent the National Weather Service from competing with commercial weather companies. In 1999, the House Science Committee proposed, and the House passed, legislative language that stated, "The NWS shall not compete, or assist other entities to compete, with the private sector when a service is currently provided or can be provided by commercial enterprise, unless- (1) the Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the services; and (2) the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public." Similar language might be proposed sometime during 2001.
To date, the NWS has terminated agricultural forecasting, the fruit-frost program, and nonemergency fire weather forecasting. NWS employees are also prohibited from providing media sources with daily routine forecasts and assisting sporting events with forecast products.
As a result, the NWS is gradually being removed from the public's eye entirely. Members of Congress have praised the Weather Channel for their forecasts of severe winter weather. One Congressman even questioned even the need for the NWS since radar pictures were created by "the doppler company." Such ignorance of certain Members of Congress could not be more dangerous to the American public. Only NWSEO members go to Capitol Hill each year to attempt to educate Congress on the life saving importance of NWS service to our nation.
- NWSEO, through participation in the AFL-CIO, keeps itself informed and ready to support all other legislation whose aim is to support Federal employees as a whole.
For more particulars on current legislative priorities of the NWSEO, please visit our web file on Legislative Activity
NWSEO members can rely on the following resources to fulfill our legislative goals:
1. An office near Capitol Hill for Members of Congress to contact officers of the union on matters that arise during the legislative session.
2. A General Counsel who is knowledgeable on the laws, rules and regulations regarding the NOAA and federal administrative procedures, as well as on legislative construction.
3. A Government Relations Consultant who is known to both NOAA agency heads and the staff and Members of the House Science Committee, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the Appropriation Committees of both bodies.
4. A Separate Segregated Fund (the NWSEO-PAC) that provides NWSEO members with the opportunity to contribute political campaign funds so that NWSEO can assist those Members of Congress who support the NOAA.
5. The most important resource NWSEO has is you. The union writes letters and testifies in committee hearings every year. But the reason we succeed in our legislative program is because our officers and members are the doing the work necessary back home in the Congressmen's home districts or in the Senators' states.
NWSEO has formed a legislative committee and has retained the services of a Government Relations Consultant to help establish legislative activities and procedures and to coordinate communications among our employees and with members of Congress. Every federal employee has an absolute right to contact a member of Congress. Any contact should be done on your own time and may not be done using government equipment, computers, phones, etc. You should clearly state that the opinions expressed are your personal views and do not represent any official agency position.
After any congressional is made, it would be useful to inform the NWSEO leadership or the Government Relations Consultant of the nature of the contact in order to avoid unnecessary confusion or duplication of effort.
This manual is a guide to help you work in your Congressman's district and Senator's state. NOAA employees can visit Congressional offices and educate the local staff on important the work of NOAA.
Writing to Your Senators and Representatives
Your Impact As A Constituent
You are represented by three members of the U.S. Congress -- one Representative and two Senators. You are the most influential person to these three persons because you are one of their voting constituents. In addition, if your place of employment is located in a different congressional district or in another state, you could write to additional members of Congress.
You Represent More Than Yourself
To members of Congress you represent your family, your fellow employees, and people who depend on the NWS, as well as yourself. In your letter emphasize that your views are also held by others.
Representatives and Senators have one or more district offices in addition to their primary office in Washington, D.C. The district office is usually involved in problem solving, such as inquiring about loans, finding lost social security checks, resolving military problems, or other difficulties that individuals have with the federal government. Generally, the Washington, D.C. office is involved in national issues and voting on legislation.
Writing To A Senator
Use the following format as a guide:
Honorable John S. Doe
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The salutation is "Dear Senator (last name):" All Senators have the same zip code: 20510.
Writing To A Representative
Use the following format as a guide:
Honorable John S. Smith
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
The salutation is "Dear Congressman (last name):" or "Dear Congresswoman (last name):". All representatives have the same zip code: 20515.
It is not necessary to use a building name or room number when writing to members of Congress in Washington, DC.
Where To Find Office Addresses
If you want to visit a member of Congress in your area, your local phone book should have your Senators' and Representative's district offices listed under "United States Government". If you need assistance on finding an address, contact NWSEO's national office.
Include Your Return Address
Always include your return address and phone number on the front page of your letter.
How To Write Your Letter
1. Identify yourself as a constituent. In the opening sentence, identify yourself as a constituent. More attention will be paid to your opinion if you are a voter. If you are writing in an official capacity on behalf of the NWSEO, say so.
2. Keep to one subject. Limiting yourself to one subject will increase the force of your argument. It will also make it easier for the public official to act on your request.
3. Be brief. While you should fully explain your views, a long letter may be set aside. Keep your letter to one or two pages. Avoid using technical jargon and acrnums without first explaining what the initials stand for.
4. Get to the Point. It is best to summarize your position in one or two sentences in the beginning of the letter. This technique helps the legislator or his staff identify why you are writing.
5. Be factual. Do not be rude or threatening. This will only antagonize your reader. Courteous mail is more effective. Make your points clearly and back them up with facts or figures.
6. Personalize your letter. When writing about a legislative proposal, explain how it affects you, your work, or your family. If possible, give examples that illustrate your viewpoint.
7. Do not assume your reader knows the issue. Refer to the specific bill number you are writing about (if you know it) and fully explain your views. If you have dealt with another official on the matter, mention it in your letter, because the official to whom you are writing may want to coordinate with the other official.
8. Ask for specific actions. When you ask the legislator for his or her help, be very specific about what it is you want, for example: to vote for or against a bill; to take action on a problem; or to express an opinion about the subject of your letter. This will help the office holder or the staff know what should be done.
9. Avoid form letters. Sometimes organizations send a sample letter to their members much like the example shown at the end of this chapter. Copying a sample letter verbatim makes it obvious your letter originated at a single source. Use your own words and address each letter individually rather than using photocopies. Mailgrams or telegrams are less effective than a personal letter.
10. Who reads your letters? Each member of Congress receives thousands of letters. Obviously, not every letter is read personally by the elected official. Most are read and acted upon by staff. But, your letter could be read by your Senator or Representative so write accordingly.
Do not forget to write a thank-you note after a matter in which you have an interest has been resolved. A thank-you note makes a good impression, and you will be remembered.
The following sample letter illustrates the suggestions made here.
Your name
Your Address
Your city, state & zip code
Date
Honorable John Smith
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Smith:
I am a member of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, (NWSEO), and a resident of your district. Over the years I have been an active voter and wanted to take the time to ask for your support regarding H.R. 1234, a bill that affects the National Weather Service.
(The middle paragraphs describe H.R. 1234, and the status of the bill).
I urge you to vote for H.R. 1234, and assist me and the members of my organization. Thank you for your interest and support. .
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Telephoning your Senators and Representative
Why Use The Phone?
One of the quickest ways to gain access to a legislator's office is to use the telephone. A call to your elected representative is a cost-effective, efficient method of communicating your views or requesting assistance. If you need help identifying the appropriate member, contact the NWSEO national office.
Where To Find The Right Phone Number
Most telephone directories have a listing under "Federal Government" for the district office(s) of Representatives and Senators. Most libraries have several books which list congressional telephone numbers in the reference section.
If you know the name of your Senators or Representative, you can call the U.S. Capitol Hill main switchboard for the Washington DC office number:(202) 224-3121 (Senate), or (202 225-3121 (House).
District Offices vs. Washington Offices
The district office usually is involved in problem solving, or other difficulties with the federal government. The Washington, D.C. office deals with national issues and voting on legislation.
The Best Time To Call
The best time to call a Washington, D.C. congressional office is before 10:00 a.m. If the member is not in the office, the staff can usually get a message to the member for a return phone call later during the day.
Who To Ask For?
Your phone calls to your elected official will be screened by the receptionist or secretary answering the phone. If you want to speak directly to the elected representative, be prepared to answer a series of questions from the staff before you gain access. A caller who knows someone on the staff, will usually be referred directly to that staff person. If you do not know a name, ask to speak to the person who deals with the issue you are calling about.
Always Identify Yourself
In your opening remarks, identify yourself as a constituent, a contributor, or personal friend of the elected representative (if applicable), or an NWSEO Union steward. More attention will be paid to your concerns if you are a voter.
Even if you have a personal relationship with the legislator, know his family, or have contributed to his campaign, you still may be "screened" by the receptionist. Do not be offended if you are screened.
Always Leave A Message
Many times your Senator or Representative will be attending a committee hearing, voting, or otherwise be unavailable when you call. Always leave a message and your phone number.
Visiting your Senators and Representative
A visit to the office of a Senator or Representative is usually more productive, and easiest to bring about, if it takes place in the local, or district office. Addresses for these offices can usually be found in the local phone book. Meetings in Washington, DC, can be faciliated by the NWSEO national office or by the Government Relations Consultant.
A few tips may be helpful:
1. Make an appointment before just showing up at the office.
2. Be on time. Know how to pronounce the member's name. Do not bring more people than originally included in the appointment.
3. Introduce the members of your group and explain how everyone is involved with the work of the agency.
4. Get to the point of your visit quickly. Be clear about what it is that you want the member to do. It helps to bring with you a brief information sheet that you can leave with the member that contains the names of everyone in your group at the meeting and describes the issue and what it is that you are seeking from the member.
5. Be aware that there may interruptions to yoru meeting (especially if it takes place in Wahsington, DC).
6. Do not overstay your welcome. Be sure to get the names of any staff persons in the meeting to enable you to follow-up on anything needed.
7. After the meeting, send a brief thank-you note to the member expressing your appreciation for taking the time to meet with you.
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