A generation ago, Congress quietly took away one of our most basic constitutional rights – the right to express our views to all of its members.  Since then lawmakers have only wanted to hear from people who can vote for them.

This restrictive policy violates the unabridged First Amendment right of citizens to petition the government. It also violates a federal law adopted in 1978 guaranteeing us access to all 535 members of Congress -- not just three.

This limitation on contacting lawmakers has changed how Congress operates – and not for the better. Increasingly citizens feel disconnected from the legislative process.  They don’t believe anyone in Washington is listening. Three out of four disapprove of the job Congress is doing. Many feel that lobbyists, large donors, and special-interest groups enjoy more influence than the rest of us do.  And they’re right!  Senators and House members also cater to other interests they don’t mention much –   their own parties and reelection campaigns.  Instead of broadly serving the people, as the Founders intended, they pander to their constituents by “bringing home the bacon” for local programs and providing “casework” services. 

This isn’t how Congress is supposed to work.

It’s time we tell our lawmakers to restore this free-speech right.  It’s time we remind them that they work for all of the people, not just those who can benefit them.

Let your voice be heard!