Contacting your elected officials is one of the most important ways that you can contribute to the mission of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. It is important to let them know how you feel about the vital need to protect our country and our troops from the threat of ballistic missiles. From the local city council representative to the President of the United States, your representatives in government hold the power to ensure that we are protected from the threat of ballistic missiles. It is their job to represent YOU. So let your voice be heard on the need to protect our families today.

• Click here to find out who represents you in the U.S. Senate
• Click here to find out who represents you in the U.S. House of Representatives
• Click here to find out more information about key Senate Committees that deal with missile defense
• Click here to find out more information about key House Committees that deal with missile defense

While the committees make important decisions about missile defense programs and writing them is beneficial, the most effective communication will be directed toward the legislators that represent your state or congressional district.

Use this guide to help you effectively communicate with your elected officials.

 LETTERS, E-MAIL, AND FAX

1. Click here to identify your Representative and/or here to identify your Senator to obtain his/her contact information
2. Follow the guide below to learn how to address a member of Congress
3. The body of your letter should begin by identifying yourself as a constituent. The correspondence should brief and concise. In one page or less, express to your representative why you feel the United States should pursue missile defense.
   • Please feel free to use the “WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TEMPLATE” below to write your congressman, or use it as a guide to write your own letter
4. Complete your correspondence by requesting a response from your congressman. Keep a copy of the response for future reference, and send a copy to MDAA Government Relations via email by clicking here

TELEPHONE

1. Click here to identify your Representative and/or here to identify your Senator to obtain his/her contact information
2. Identify yourself as a constituent to the staffer who answers the phone
3. Legislators have very busy schedules and will most likely be un-available to speak to constituents directly
4. Staffers are the most important point of contact in a congressional office. The staffer who answers your call will record your comments and the legislator will be made aware of them
5. Briefly and politely communicate your opinions about the need for the development and deployment of missile defense. Prepare for the phone call by making a few notes to refer to as you speak. The phone call should last between 5-10 minutes
6. At the end of the phone call, provide your contact information and request a written response detailing your representatives’ views on missile defense. Keep a copy of the response for future reference, and send a copy to MDAA Government Relations via email by clicking here

HOW TO ADDRESS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

To Your Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To Your Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Chairperson of a Committee or the Speaker of the House:

Dear Mr. Chairman
Dear Madam Chairwoman

Dear Mr. Speaker
Dear Madam Speaker

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TEMPLATE

The Honorable [Full Name]
[Room #] [Name] (Senate or House) Office Building
United States (Senate or House of Representatives)
Washington, DC 20515

Dear (Senator or Representative):

As a constituent of the [District] of [State], I would like to urge you to fully support the funding, development, and deployment of missile defense systems for the protection of the United States, its troops, and allies.

Missile defense strengthens the United States’ ability to deter non-allied offensive military capabilities and extend our allies’ ability to deter around the world. In this environment of reduced U.S. military spending and the reductions of military forces abroad, missile defense has become a much more valued asset.   Missile defense deployed globally provides stability in regions of strategic concern such as the Middle East and the Asia Pacific.  Missile defense also secures the freedom of access to international waters and provides a hedge against those entities that would seek to deny access.

Missile defense gives confidence to our armed forces and the President of the United States in defending against current and future ballistic missile threats while dissuading nations’ investment in offensive missiles.

Furthermore, I along with the rest of the American public expect and demand to be protected and defended from ballistic missiles that would threaten the United States homeland.

Please respond with a letter outlining your views on missile defense.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]