As we have been discussing in our recent blogs, advocacy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are different techniques, strategies, tactics, and methods of reaching out to decision-makers to influence them. Advocacy is often a marathon, not a sprint, and requires diligent follow-up throughout the legislative process. It is essential that you have a basic understanding of the federal legislative process so that you can understand how legislation that supports the neuromuscular disease community works its way through the U.S. government to ultimately becoming a law with a positive impact on the MDA community. Today, we are providing an overview of how legislation moves through Congress and how you can adapt your grassroots advocacy work at each stage.
1. Introduction
After a member of Congress conceives of an idea for a bill, the first step of the legislative process is to introduce the bill, but how do members of Congress create legislation from an idea? This is often the result of sustained lobbying and grassroots advocacy on behalf of a particular community. The members of Congress will hear from their constituents and other stakeholders, such as organizational lobbyists and grassroots advocacy groups, about ways that the members of Congress can best support that community. Then, if the member of Congress has an opportunity to introduce a bill that addresses some of – maybe all – of those constituent needs, the bill is drafted and is all set to be introduced.
When the bill is then ready to be proposed, a member must sponsor the bill and formally introduce it. It is then assigned to a committee of jurisdiction – fancy terminology for which committee gets to oversee the processes of the bill. For example, a bill that changes laws related to education would be assigned to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, as this committee has jurisdiction over issues related to the U.S. education and workforce development systems. Each bill gets its own committee of jurisdiction. Some bills might touch on multiple issues and therefore, have multiple committees of jurisdiction.
Members of Congress who sit on a particular committee have influence over legislation that is assigned to that committee. These Members can be more influential than other Members in moving legislation forward, so it is important to begin outreach to Members of Congress who sit on a bill’s committee of jurisdiction as soon as possible.
While the bill is awaiting consideration by a committee, this is your first opportunity to let your members of Congress know how a bill would make an impact on your life. Reach out to them, especially if they have not co-sponsored the legislation that you support. Share your personal stories about how the bill would positively or potentially negatively impact you. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.
2. Committee Review
As we mentioned, the bill is then assigned to a committee once introduced. The bill may also be assigned to a subcommittee that goes into even more specifics within the committee of jurisdiction. The committee can do several things, including holding hearings on the bill, changing the bill, and then approving the bill to be sent to the full House or Senate for their consideration. Bills must be passed by committee before deliberation by the full chamber.
When a bill is going through the committee process, now is the time to contact committee members. If you are the constituent of members on the committee, ask them to support the bill and/or make necessary changes to improve the bill. You have several options, including letters, social media and requesting meetings either virtually or in person to show your support for the bill. If you do not have a member of Congress with committee jurisdiction over a bill, you can reach out again to your representatives and senators and urge them to continue working to bring the bill to the floor of their respective chambers for a vote.
3. Floor Debate and Voting
Now that a committee has declared their approval of the bill, the full House or Senate can choose to take up the bill to debate it and vote on it. The same version of the bill must pass both chambers.
Reach out to your members of Congress and urge others to contact their members of Congress to tell them to work to finalize a version of the bill and bring it to their respective chamber floor for a vote. Social media campaigns, letters, and meeting requests are an effective way to get your messages across during this phase of the legislative process.
4. Conference Committee and Final Approval
If both the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, a conference committee made up of members from both chambers will work to reconcile the differences. Once they reach an agreement, the final version of the bill is sent back to both chambers for a vote.
At this stage, your role as advocates is to continue asking your members of Congress to vote in favor of the final version of the bill. Make sure to continue including your personal stories and figures that will support your position as the bill gets closer to a vote. Phone calls may be particularly effective at this stage, in addition to leaning on personal relationships with lawmakers that you may have built.
5. Presidential Approval
After both the House and Senate pass the final version of the bill, it is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. If the President signs the bill, it becomes law.
While you wait for the bill to be signed, urge your fellow advocates to celebrate the good progress and continue highlighting the importance of a bill on the neuromuscular community. If your member(s) of Congress supported the bill, please thank them for their support! This helps continue to build a positive relationship with the members of Congress and their offices.
Conclusion
Advocacy is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires flexibility and persistence throughout the legislative process, which often moves slowly. You can think of this persistence as the phrase, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Make sure to encourage others to stay involved throughout the entire process!
What’s Next
In future MDA advocacy toolkit blogs, we will discuss creating connections with our fellow advocates. There is power in numbers!