House Republican leaders have encouraged their rank-and-file Members to use the August recess to promote the America Speaking Out agenda project and released a district work period packet to help them complete the task.

The 22-page document includes a checklist titled “Twelve Things Members Can Do to Promote American Speaking Out,” including “hold a town hall,” “issue a press release” and “do a radio interview.”

It also includes a to-do list of recommended events and media appearances for Members to complete while they are in their districts. Members have been asked to submit a list of scheduled town halls, job fairs or other public events so the information can be compiled into a master list.

“For the next six weeks we have an opportunity to step up our dialogue with the American people at community events, job fairs, town hall gatherings, and other face-to-face meetings,” GOP Conference Chairman Mike Pence (Ind.) wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter in the packet. “It’s a chance for us to further establish our governing agenda as we talk about Republican solutions and listen to the suggestions of our constituents.”

The bulk of the packet centers on five topics that Republicans will highlight over the break — job creation, spending restraint, national security, government reform and health care reform.

A list of “solutions” are included in the packet under each of the overarching topics. For example, ideas listed under “job creation solutions” include “ensure access to credit for small business” and “cut government red tape.”

One House GOP aide stressed that the solutions would not necessarily be a part of the final agenda document that is expected to be released in September.
Republicans have acknowledged that the upcoming midterms loom larger this August and that the stakes are particularly high for the minority party.

“Colleagues, for the past two August work periods, House Republicans have been tireless in our efforts back in our districts. In return, we have enjoyed a strong and growing relationship with the American people,” Pence wrote. “Now, I want to urge you and your staffs to work hard once again to make this August another winning District Work Period for House Republicans.”