Guide

How to reach an office

A plain guide to the ways of contacting a member of Congress and what each one is. It is general information. It does not suggest what you should say or which position to take.

Who to contact

Each state has two senators. Each House district has one representative, and the District of Columbia and the territories have a delegate or resident commissioner. Use the state pages on this site to find yours. A member’s page lists every way to reach their office.

Ways to reach an office

• Phone. Each member has a Washington, D.C. office and most have offices in their state or district. The numbers are on the member’s page.
• The official contact form. Each member’s official website has a form for messages. The link is on the member’s page.
• Mail. The member’s page gives the Washington, D.C. address and the state or district office addresses.
• In person. You can visit a state or district office. Hours are listed on the member’s page where the source gives them. Members also post public events on their official websites.

What a call is

A call goes to the office, where a member of staff answers. Staff usually ask for your name and where you live, and write down what you are calling about. A call is a message to the office. It does not go straight to the member.

What a letter or a form message is

A letter or a form message is a written note to the office. Offices keep a record of who wrote, from where and about what. A reply, if one is sent, comes from the office.

Help with a federal agency

Offices also help residents who are dealing with a federal agency, such as a delayed passport, a benefits claim or a veterans’ matter. This is often called casework. The member’s official website explains how that office handles it.

A few practical points

• An office usually gives priority to the people who live in its state or district, so have your address ready.
• Phone lines in Washington, D.C. can be busy. A state or district office is another way in.
• Use the official numbers and links on the member’s page. Those come from official sources, listed on the sources page.

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