[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 1997

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, new technologies like electronic mail and 
the Internet have helped bring people closer than ever to the events in 
Congress. But one of the most instrumental groups in keeping people in 
touch with their representative, National Write Your Congressman, 
relies on technology that is as old as this country itself--the U.S. 
Postal Service.
  National Write Your Congressman was founded in Dallas, TX, in 1958. 
For nearly 40 years, this important organization has helped 
constituents voice their opinions with monthly mailings that present 
both sides of controversial issues. Constituents are then asked to mark 
a ballot in favor of or against a legislative proposal, and return the 
ballot to their Representative. National Write Your Congressman 
conducts frequent polls of its membership and informs Representatives 
of their results. They also keep Representatives' voting records on 
file, and frequently update their membership on the performance of the 
men and women who represent them.
  I am particularly grateful to LeRoy and Erika Larson of Burnsville, 
MN, in my congressional district, who visited my office this week.
  LeRoy and Erika's tireless efforts on behalf of National Write Your 
Congressman have enabled my Minnesota constituents to voice their 
opinion on legislation that directly affects their lives. At the same 
time, they have been proactive participants in the education of our 
citizenry, which helps build a more responsible America.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank National Write Your Congressman for 
their ongoing efforts to inform citizens of our activities in 
Washington and to inform us of our constituents' concerns. They are 
truly helping empower the people of this country and returning the 
government to the people it was created to serve.

                          ____________________