1.  What’s the difference in a Congressman, a Representative, and a Senator?

Congressman or Congresswoman and Representative refer to any of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  These members represent individual districts within their state.  Depending on the population, states have anywhere from 1 (Vermont) to 55 (California) congressional districts and “representatives” of those districts. 

Senator refers to any of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate.  There are two Senators for each state, regardless of population, and they represent their entire state.

Another difference is that Senators are elected to serve 6 year terms and Representatives, 2 year terms, unless reelected for additional terms.

Also see Congressional Tutorial (Quick Refresher) on this web site on the page titled, "How-To" Guides and Samples.

2.  How do I find my Congressman or Congresswoman?

Go to the following link and enter your 9-digit zip code

            http://www.vote-smart.org/

Or go to the link below and fill in your state and zip code and click “contact my representative”.

            http://www.house.gov/writerep/

3.  What’s the rank equivalency of Members of Congress and their staff?

Members of Congress have higher protocol precedence than general officers, to include the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is the senior flag officer in the military.

Professional staff members can be 3-star equivalent.

Personal staff members can be 2-star equivalent.

4.  What’s the difference in personal staff and professional staff?

Personal staff members work directly for a member, and generally focus on local interests. 

Professional staff members (referred to as PSMs) work for a committee.  The committee relies on the professional staff to conduct visits and report their findings to committee members.  The interest of a PSM is typically focused on programs or systems for which the committee has oversight responsibility.  PSMs on military oversight committees are often retired military officers.

5.  What’s a Ranking Member?

Each committee has a Chairman or Chairwoman and a ranking member. The ranking member is usually the most senior member of the minority party on that particular committee. 

For example, if the Republican party has the majority in the House or Senate, the committee chairman would be a Republican and the ranking member would be the senior Democrat on that particular committee.

6.  How do I invite a Member of Congress or a Congressional staff member to visit my Army post or activity?

When Members travel within their home district, the travel is at their own expense.  No prior approval for sending invitations is required.

When Members travel from Washington, D.C. to an Army facility for the purpose of gaining information about Army programs, those visits are often funded by the Army.  However, either the Secretary of the Defense or Secretary of the Army must approve this type of travel. 

Submit your ideas for a visit through your leadership.  Include very specific details (WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY). 

Once the idea is approved by TRADOC leadership (to include the DCG/Chief of Staff), the Congressional Activities Office will send your proposal to OCLL, who will determine if the request is something the Army could sponsor.

7.  What if a Member of Congress (or office staff) contacts me directly for information?

Respond to the request to the best of your ability and be consistent with the Army position. 

If asked for your personal opinion, ensure it’s understood as your personal opinion only.

If you’re not sure of the answer, there is nothing wrong with saying you will get back with them.

AR 1-20 states that, before releasing Army documents, studies, or information not available in the public domain, you should coordinate the request with OCLL.

Then report the contact, using the form on this web site.

8.  How do I prepare myself or my boss for testifying before Congress?

Several tools are available on this web site on the page titled, How-to Guides and Samples, under the heading Hearings and Testimony

Also, Army policies and guidelines are available at the Office, Chief of Legislative Liaison (OCLL) web site.

9.  How do I listen to hearings from my computer?

Your computer must have a sound card and speakers. 

Some Congressional Committees (located through www.house.gov and www.senate.gov) broadcast their own hearings. 

Many Senate hearings are broadcast (sound only) over www.capitolhearings.org/ 

C-SPAN broadcasts some hearings (video and sound) over the Internet as well as TV.

10.  What’s the correct mailing address for a Senator or a Congressman?

See AR 25-50, Information Management: Preparing and Managing Correspondence,” Appendix D, “Form for addresses, salutations, and complimentary closes.”

Or see page 19 of our Handbook on Congressional Inquiries.

11.  How do I verbally address a Senator or Congressman or a Congressional staff member?

“Sir” or “Ma’am” works for most everyone, but more specifically --

House:                        Congressman or Congresswoman; Representative;

12.  What’s the military uniform for visiting Capitol Hill?

The Army-preferred uniform for military members visiting Capitol Hill is Class A.

13.  How do I get a flag flown over The Capitol?

Most U.S. Representatives’ web sites, located through www.house.gov, provide instructions on ordering a flag and having it flown over the Capitol. 

You pay for the cost of the flag, which varies in price (from about $15.00 to $30.00) depending on the size and fabric of the flag you wish to order. 

Some Members require that you fill out a form that is provided on their web site.

14.  How do I request a tour of the White House?

Requests for these tours must be submitted through your local Congressman or Congresswoman.

Information and instructions are located at http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/