While BillTrack50 was developed to help corporations, associations, non-profits and advocacy professionals monitor and track federal and state legislation and regulations, many regular people use the free research tool every day to look up legislation on topics that are important to them.
We often get questions from those people about legislation process or how to influence that process. As executive actions are very different from legislation, many people wondered what they could do to show support to opposition to the president’s actions.
While it is difficult to influence executive orders, and whether you are for or against the latest steps, it is easy to get involved and make the transition from interested citizen to advocate.
Presidential executive actions are difficult to influence. They are generally written and signed before being made public, and have little or no oversite by Congress. The recent gun-related actions are more related to interpretation of current law (such as the definition of who is an active gun dealer), therefore there is little that Congress can actually do. That said, parts of President Obama’s plan have budget implications, which will require Congressional action at some point.
So, as a citizen, you first want to contact the White House and let them know that you support or oppose the actions they are taking.
Second, contact your Congressman and Senators and let them know that you support or oppose the president’s actions, and ask them to do the same.
Third, because if it is an election year, reach out to candidates, and also let them know your stand.
Fourth, you can also join a grassroots organization, such as the Everytown for Gun Safety or the National Rifle Association. Grassroots advocacy groups help to amplify your voice by combining it with many others who share your views.
And finally, because there is power in grassroots advocacy, you should encourage friends and family to take similar actions.