Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research

Handouts

Handouts are an important element of every congressional visit. They can be helpful to both you and the member of Congress or the legislative assistant with whom you are meeting.

	Use handouts to prompt yourself to make key points during the few minutes you will spend with the member of Congress or legislative assistant.
	A legislative assistant (LA) may never take the time to read your handouts after you leave, so it is always a good idea to review them briefly during the meeting. When it is time for an important vote, the LA may remember to go back to your handouts to check a fact or to look for a recommendation.

Click here for sample handouts. Print copies to take to your meetings. Take the time to familiarize yourself with them before your congressional appointments. Also, use them to focus your remarks when you call or write letters to your members of Congress.

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