Because congressional offices experience significant demands on their time, the more outside help they can get, the better the chance you will get the response you need. Assistance in letter preparation is only one example. Clients may seek a direct federal appropriation to fund a specific need. Lobbyists often assist the congressional offices with information that must be submitted to the appropriate congressional committee or federal agency. Having your own office in Washington allows congressional staff the ability to contact locally available experience when they need help.
Lobbyists help formulate strategy and provide follow-up.
Lobbyists attend hearings and meetings and keep the Members and staff informed about developments. Lobbyists help create grassroots support. Lobbyists meet with other lobbyists and organizations that are active on Capitol Hill and work together to advance good legislation or alter bad legislation. The Washington process is not getting simpler and competition has increased significantly in recent years. Time constraints are making it more and more difficult for congressional offices to follow issues on a timely basis.