Whom to Contact and When
Although Congress appropriates funds for the Fulbright Program, the federal budget process begins with the Administration’s budget request. It is important for Fulbright alumni and friends to register their support for the Fulbright Program with the Administration at the beginning of each fiscal year to help secure adequate resources for the following fiscal year. By writing to the president and secretary of state in support of Fulbright exchanges, you and other Fulbright alumni can help to elicit a strong budget request. Therefore, it is crucial to include the White House and the Department of State in advocacy efforts.
The Administration plays an important role in the formulation of legislation. After legislation has been passed by Congress, the president can force Congress into negotiations using the threat of a veto, which may result in a mutually acceptable bill. Veto threats are less likely when the same party holds the White House and both chambers of Congress.
Action alerts with sample letters for use in contacting the Administration are posted on the Fulbright Association listserv and web site. Copies of letters to the president should be sent to the secretary of state.
Addressing correspondence:
| To the President: | To the Secretary of State: |
| The Honorable Barack Obama President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 |
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State U.S. Department of State Washington, DC 20520 |
| Dear President Obama: | Dear Secretary Clinton: |
Fax/E-mail
|
Fax: (202) 456-2461 E-mail: president@whitehouse.gov |
Fax: (202) 261-8577
E-mail: secretary@state.gov |
The White House telephone comment line can be reached at (202) 456-6213.
