Government affairs

Congress' traditional August recess starts on Monday, July 31. Members of the House of Representatives will return home to their respective districts, and although Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that the Senate would remain in session for the first two weeks of August, it is unclear whether that will change following the Senate's failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act. When they are home, however, many of these legislators will hold town hall meetings and other events, and will meet with their constituents.

With so many priorities in Congress—including the budget, health care, and bills targeting federal employee and our core postal issues—letter carriers know how much is on the line requiring us to engage in Washington and in districts/states. This August recess gives us a month-long opportunity to talk about what's important to letter carriers and our families.

Letter carriers can stay active and engaged by using the recess as an opportunity to share our concerns with the Senate regarding health care and our concerns regarding federal employees and budget discussions.

Here is a to-do list to help you stay engaged

Town halls: Is your senator/representative having a town hall? Find out here at the Town Hall Project (updated daily).

Call their offices: You can call your members via the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Schedule a visit in their home district: Need help locating your House representative's district office nearest you? Click here to find out who your House representative is and how to reach them in their district offices.

Get the facts: 

• Reaching out on the budget and your concerns as a federal employee? Click here to see what's at stake for federal employees and why your representative should oppose these proposals in a budget deal or any other negotiation where federal employee benefits are being discussed.
• Want to express your concerns regarding the Senate's health care plans? Click here to see what's at stake.
• Want to engage your members of Congress on our priority resolutions? Click to see fact sheets on:
• H.Res. 15 (six-day mail delivery): Fact Sheet
• H.Res. 28 (door delivery): Fact Sheet
• H.Res. 31 (service standards): Fact Sheet

We have a lot on the line so please keep engaging while your House representative is at home.