Every week, Out4Immigration targets members of Congress who we think understand and supports our issue, but hasn't signed on to co-sponsor theUniting American Families Act (UAFA) yet.  We have now increased our efforts by writing to 5 Congress people and their staffers.

We are going to try to get support from Republicans as well.  This week we have added  1 Republican  based on their past support on other important LGBT issues.

We are encourage in knowing that several of the Congress people we have written to signed on as co-sponsors  soon after we wrote to them! 

 

Here is why we picked these Congress people.

Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)
• 85% HRC Scorecard rating
• We need more support in Virginia and the South
• Opposed Marshall-Newman Amendment, which would ban same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships in the Virginia Constitution
• Supports both the Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Act and ENDA

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
• 90% HRC Scorecard rating
• We need more support in the South
• Co-sponsor of Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act (S. 909)
• Strong record of pro-LGBT support

Senator George Voinovich (D-OH)
• 60% HRC Scorecard rating - high for Senate Republican
• Not seeking re-election in 2010
• Moderate record on Immigration
• We need more support in Ohio (only 2 co-sponsors in House) and the Midwest

Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI-13)
• 85% HRC Scorecard rating
• Chairwoman of Congressional Black Caucus
• Member of Progressive Caucus
• Co-sponsor of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal (H.R. 1283)
• Co-sponsor of Domestic Partners Benefits Act (H.R. 2517)
• We need more support in Michigan (only 2 co-sponsors in House) and the Midwest

Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA-19)
• 45% HRC Scorecard rating - decent for Republican
• Co-sponsor of ENDA (H.R. 3017)
• Voted in favor of Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act
• We need support from moderate Republicans

(If the whole email addresses for the staffers do not  publishing correctly and in full

on your screen here are the directions.

In the below addresses:

1. if you need to reach someone in the house, after the @ it should read:

mail.house.gov

2. If you need to reach someone in the senate, after the @ it should read:

senatorname. senate.gov

This week we will be contacting:

Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)

248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4024
Fax: 202-228-6363

Staffers to contact:
Ms. Emily Zuelzer, Judiciary Aide
Emily_Zuelzer@ webb.senate. gov
Ms. Maribel Ramos, Child & Family Issues Aide
Maribel_Ramos@ webb.senate. gov

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

328 Hart Senate Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Fax:(202) 224-9735

Staffers to contact:
Ms. Angelique Roche, Judiciary Aide
Angelique_Roche@ landrieu. senate.gov
Ms. Sarada Peri, Child & Family Issues Aide
Sarada_Peri@ landrieu. senate.gov

Senator George Voinovich (D-OH)

524 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Fax: (216) 522-7097

Staffers to contact:
Mr. Charles 'Chip' Abernathy, Judiciary Aide
charles_abernathy@ hsgac.senate. gov
*Note - Mr. Abernathy's e-mail is different, after his name should follow  @hsgac.senate. gov and not @voinovich.senate. gov
Mr. Chris Holt, Child & Family Issues Aide
Chris_Holt@voinovic h.senate. gov

Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI-13)

2264 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515-2215 
Tel.: (202) 225-2261 
Fax.: (202) 225-5730

Staffer to contact: 
Ms. Asi Ofosu, Judiciary and Child & Family Issues Aide
Asi.Ofosu@mail. house.gov

Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA-19)

2455 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: (202) 226-1000

Staffer to contact:
Mr. Christian Gallon, Judiciary Aide
Christian.Gallon@ mail.house. gov

Please remember, after sending your fax AND your e-mails to the staffers, be sure to mail your handwritten letter  to the members of Congress we are targeting. In the era of electronic communication and social media,  handwritten letters are still a very effective means of reaching our members of Congress, and should be used as the final finishing touch of our weekly efforts. 

[Today's Date]

Dear [Senator][Represent ative] [Staffer] ,

I am writing to you to ask for [your] [ Congresswoman/ man…..] support by
becoming a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA; S. 424/H.R. 1024) sponsored in
the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy and in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

I am part of a group called Out4Immigration. [I am] [I know people who
are] directly affected by the current unfair immigration policies in
this country that deny gay and lesbian Americans in same-sex
binational relationships the right to sponsor their permanent partner
to live with them in the United States.

As you may be aware, these Americans in loving and committed
relationships are often forced to make heartbreaking decisions to
maintain their relationship. More often than not, these include having
to leave the United States in order to be with the person they love.
These American citizens are forced to give up careers, leave behind
aging parents and young adult children who rely on them and leave a
community which benefits from their ongoing and active participation.

The Uniting American Families Act simply seeks to provide gay and
lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to sponsor
their partners for immigration. It includes the same process and
penalties as applied in heterosexual sponsorship applications. By
co-sponsoring the UAFA you are showing your dedication to equality and
the belief that no American should be forced to choose between their
country and the person they love.

Thank you for your time on this important matter. I hope that
[your] [Congresswoman/ man …] name will be added to the list co-sponsors on
this bill and support the UAFA in any discussions concerningComprehensive Immigration Reform.

Respectfully,

[NAME]
[ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL]
Out4Immigration
www.out4immigration .org