Advocacy 101
Learn about the legislative process and how advocacy plays a key role in the policy making process.
1
An idea arises
A legislator, constituent, group of people, or organization comes up with an idea to change how our health care system currently works.
2
A bill begins
The idea is then structured in the format of a bill by a legislator and their staff or by working with individuals who understand the policy space.
3
A sponsor is sought
To introduce a bill in congress, it needs a sponsor for either the House of Representatives or Senate. If the idea originates with an individual or group outside of congress, they need to find a member of congress whose policy priorities align with the new bill to introduce it. This part of the process can take years and can involve hundreds of meetings to find the right member.
4
The bill is introduced
Once the sponsor is secured the legislator will work with their staff to introduce the bill formally where it will be assigned a number and referred to a committee of jurisdiction. Often, once a bill is introduced groups who also support this idea will rally behind it and ask other legislators to become cosponsors of the bill. Having a large number of cosponsors on a bill can help get leaderships attention. It can also take several years to get leaderships attention to make the bill a priority.
5
Hearings and markups occur
Once on committee leaderships radar, the committee may hold hearings to gather information and opinions on the bill. Legislators can suggest amendments and make changes before voting on whether to send the bill to the full chamber.
6
The bill is brought to the full chamber
The bill is debated by the entire House or Senate or the bill can go straight to a vote. If it passes by a majority, it moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) to go through a similar process. It is best practice to have similar bills introduced in both the House and Senate. Bills often do not move alone. Often, committees will group multiple bills into a package to get more buy in from the rest of Congress. Packages often times help bill that will end up costing the federal government money pass by pairing them with bills that will save money.
7
The bill goes to a conference committee
If there are differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, a conference committee works out the differences if they were not addressed in earlier steps of the process. It is rare to get to this step in modern politics, however if a conference is required both chambers must then approve the reconciled bill.
8
The bill goes to the president’s desk
Once approved by Congress, the bill is sent to the president, who can sign it into law or veto it.
9
Override veto
If the bill is vetoed by the president, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers, making the bill a law.
Your advocacy can influence every step of this process.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Share your story
- Sharing your personal experience, information about autoimmune diseases, and challenges you’re currently experiencing with the health care system helps legislators and their staff understand the issue and why it’s important for them to act on.
- Engage with legislators. They work for you!
- Use our legislative action center platform to send a letter to your legislators to help advocate for bills the impact the autoimmune community.
- Contact your legislator’s district office to discuss your concerns and how specific legislation can you and your family. You can find your representatives and senators and their contact information on congress.gov.
- Attend town hall meetings and public forums to ask questions and express your views and build your relationship with your member of congress.
- Apply to participate in the Autoimmune Association’s annual Legislative Fly-in event and meet with members and their staff in Washington, DC
- Use traditional media and social media as an advocacy tool
- Write op-eds, blog posts, and social media posts to draw attention to specific bills and encourage public support.
Take Action Now!
By understanding the legislative process and actively participating, you can help shape policies that improve the lives of those affected by autoimmune diseases. Your voice is powerful—use it to make a difference!