User:Avelino Maestas/sandbox

As the House and Senate consider legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, it's important to remember that many offices are being flooded with e-mail, faxes and phone calls -- and not just about this particular issue. Here's some information on best practices for contacting members of Congress.

Who to contact
The most effective communication will be with your elected representatives and senators in Congress. There are several reasons why:
 * 1) Members of Congress are much more likely to receive your message.
 * 2) Many Representatives/Senators employ screening techniques to prevent people from outside their districts/states (i.e. non-constituents) from contacting them.
 * 3) Most members have toll-free numbers to call from in-state phone lines.