How to contact your elected representatives

A practical guide for veterans, service members and families

Who can contact Congress
Anyone can contact a member of Congress. Offices prioritize people who live in the district or state the member represents. If you are not a constituent, your message may be logged but is less likely to get a direct reply. You can always contact your own House member and both of your U.S. senators.

What your representatives do
Members write and vote on laws, oversee federal agencies and approve funding. Their offices also handle “constituent services,” which includes help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Defense Department, Social Security and passports. Staff can request status updates, flag delays and explain processes. They cannot force an agency to change a decision, but they can make sure your case is reviewed and handled properly.

Why and when to reach out
- Contact your representatives to:
- Support or oppose a bill, amendment or budget item.
- Share how a policy affects you, your unit or your community.
- Ask for help with a federal agency such as the VA.
- Request a meeting, invite a member to an event or ask for a town hall.
- Provide subject-matter expertise as a veteran, spouse or caregiver.

How to find your representatives
U.S. House: Use the “Find Your Representative” tool at House.gov.
U.S. Senate: Find your two senators at Senate.gov.
State and local: Your state legislature website lists state senators and representatives.
NCOA Action Center: Use our campaigns to send a message in minutes.

How to contact them
Phone: Call the Washington office for votes and policy. Call the district or state office for casework.
Email or web form: Most offices prefer this for policy input.
Mail: Works best for formal letters.
In person: Request a meeting or attend a town hall.
Social media: Good for visibility, but not ideal for casework.

​Tips for an effective message
- Identify yourself as a constituent with your ZIP code.
- State a clear ask: “Please co-sponsor H.R. ####” or “Please support the Major Richard Star Act.”
- Keep it to one issue.
- Use bill numbers when possible.
- Share a brief personal story that shows impact.
- Be respectful and thank the office for its work.
- Ask for a written response, then follow up in one to two weeks if you do not hear back.
- For VA help, include your full name, address, phone, last four of SSN only if requested, and a signed privacy release if the office provides one.

After you reach out
Log the date, office, staff contact and any response. If you asked for help with the VA, respond quickly to any request for documents or a privacy release. Share outcomes with your NCOA chapter so we can track progress.

​Need help?
Become an NCOA Advocate to get alerts and pre-drafted messages on key bills. Your voice helps shape policy.

Become An Advocate!

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