TIPS on Communicating with Congress

1. Be clear and succinct

2. Stick to facts.  (e.g., refer to the Department of Labor Inspector General’s investigation; Senator Thune’s (SD) efforts on MSHA Reform

3. If expressing opinion or perception, ensure this is clear to the readers.(e.g., “It appears MSHA is . . ” or “In my experience, MSHA appears to be .."        

4. Be brief. More is not necessarily better; it may just be more!

5. Remember: we can’t speak to what is regarding another person/entity, only what we believe.(e.g., “I heard . . .” vs. “He said”

6. Respectfully request assistance. Suggest to your contacts that they contact Senator Thune’s Rapid City, SD Office and their Senators and Representatives on behalf of mine operators/miners across the country.

“There Is Strength in Numbers!”