Members act as an ambassador for the industries and products of their District or State. Members keep in touch with local opinion-leaders via personal visits and phone calls, read local editorial pages, view local news programs, and listen to local radio. Members must analyze and understand the local implications of proposed legislation. Constituency Service Members alert their constituents to Federal government actions and programs, and answer requests for information about Federal activities. Members provide assistance to constituents in obtaining Federal benefits and grants.
Members seek Federal funds for local projects and programs.
National Policy-Making Members negotiate with their colleagues to reconcile differing regional interests in order to create one national policy. Members analyze proposed legislation for its national implications. Members stay informed about national and international events by reading national newspapers and news magazines, watching television news and magazine shows, and listening to national radio programs. Members meet to exchange views and information with officials from the executive branch, lobbyists, businessmen, professionals and academics. Members attend receptions, dinners, and conferences to meet people and cement working relationships.