The Americans Abroad Caucus is the first group officially created on Capitol Hill to provide for dialogue between Congress and the overseas American community.
The Caucus grew rapidly at the beginning but has stagnated since. Since it was created, several of its members joined simply because a single constituent asked his/her Representative to do so.
You can help grow the caucus!
Use or adapt this sample letter to urge your own Congressperson to join the Americans Abroad Caucus!
Sample letter to urge your Congressperson to join the Americans Abroad Caucus
(Find their addresses and webforms at: www.house.gov)
Personalize your letter if you can, telling your Representative how important exports are to your Congressional district, or what a significant overseas constituency he/she probably has because of the local military/diplomatic/banking/business community, for example, or telling him/her how important the American community is in the city where you live abroad.
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.)__(name of) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative/Dear Congress(wo/man) (last name):
I am your constituent but I currently reside abroad. Although I live outside the United States, I continue to vote in (your district/state) and am, as you know, subject to US taxes and financial reporting. Overseas Americans have no specific representation in Washington, however, despite the fact that as a group, we represent close to 4% of the overall vote in federal elections (according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program) and that we contribute significantly to the US economy, not only through the American businesses in which we work but because, as is widely recognized, we are powerful and consistent advocates for American businesses and services around the world. And, according to the latest State Department estimate, there are 8.7 million overseas Americans, the equivalent of the 12th state in terms of population.
In 2007, the Americans Abroad Caucus was created, now chaired by Representatives Carolyn Maloney of New York, Maria Salazar of Florida and Dina Titus of Nevada. From its early membership of six, it has grown to include Members on both sides of the aisle, from states as disparate as California, South Carolina, Massachussetts and Texas. "From deciphering complex tax laws to ensuring they have adequate healthcare access, Americans abroad face a unique set of challenges," says Rep Salazar.
As your constituent, I urge you to please contact Eric May with Rep. Maloney at , John-Mark Kolb with Rep. Salazar at , or Joel Cohen with Rep. Titus at . and join the caucus. I would be proud to think that my Representative understands the importance of America's overseas population and supports an American presence around the globe.
Yours sincerely,
(your name AND US voting address, as well as your city of residence overseas)