Now is great time to reach out to Congressional offices to request a meeting with your U.S. House member or two senators. In an effort to keep them and their staffs up-to date on federal issue impacting golf course management, GCSAA encourages Grassroots Ambassadors to have two in-person meetings per year with the lawmaker to whom they are assigned, and the August recess provides a great opportunity.

Every year, Congress takes off August and puts their legislative work in Washington, D.C., on hold to travel their districts. They meet with constituents, providing updates on recent and ongoing issues in Congress, and gain valuable feedback from those they represent. This recess period has occurred since 1791 and is congressionally mandated by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970.

Due to its length, members of Congress are usually more available during the August recess than during any other time of the year, which is why you are encouraged to reach out and schedule a meeting. Each office manages scheduling a little differently, but your members of congress will spend significant time in the district taking constituent meetings, hosting town halls and engaging with the individuals and interest groups they represent.

Unfortunately for many in the golf industry, August is an extremely busy time of year. If you can’t carve out time for a Congressional meeting during the August recess, there are plenty of other “district work periods” to shoot for. See the 2019 Congressional Calendar for times later this year when your members of congress might be available. Never forget, however, that district staff members are available year-round and typically do not require a recess period to meet with you.

If you need any assistance scheduling a meeting, contact Michael Lee, manager government affairs at 800-472-7878, ext. 3612, or mlee@gcsaa.org.