Congressional Hearings Archives - Page 27 of 28

The Purpose Behind Congressional Testimony

Each year hundreds of hearings are conducted on every topic imaginable by the United States Congress. Possible topics include regulation of business and industry, public policy, governmental operations, and much more. Although testifying at a hearing can be intimidating, hearings serve an important part of the congressional process; providing information to Congress for carrying out … Read more

Understanding the Congressional Committee System

. . .it is not far from the truth to say that Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work. Woodrow Wilson, Congressional Government, 1885. Most matters are accomplished by Congress in committees. Each chamber of Congress has committees that are established to perform very … Read more

Why You Might Be Called To Testify Before Congress

Although the idea of testifying before Congress can naturally be daunting, there are many reasons why you might need to do so and not all of them would involve being in the “hot seat”. There are usually two types of witnesses who testify before Congress. They are primary witnesses and supporting witnesses. A primary witness … Read more

Giving Effective Testimony before Congress

Giving testimony before Congress can be a daunting task, particularly if this is your first time to visit the Capitol and you do not have any prior experience in this type of situation. It is quite natural to feel somewhat apprehensive and nervous in this type of situation. Understanding what to expect and how to … Read more

What to Expect when you Testify Before Congress

When you must testify before Congress, it is a good idea to know what to expect and how to conduct yourself in order to obtain the best results. In most instances, you will only have a few minutes to make your case if you are going to be testifying in support or opposition to legislation. … Read more

Testifying Before Congress Video on CSPAN BookTV

Testifying Before Congress with William LaForge 45 minute video presentation on CSPAN BookTV, July 22, 2010 About the Program William LaForge discusses how to successfully prepare and deliver testimony at congressional hearings. He spoke at a lunch event at the Hall of States building in Washington, DC. About the Author William LaForge is an attorney … Read more

Testifying Before Congress, with Bill LaForge on BookTV, C-SPAN2

Testifying Before Congress with William LaForge on BookTV, C-SPAN 2 Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 9pm (ET) Sunday, August 8, 2010, at 10am (ET) Monday, August 9, 2010, at 4am (ET) About the Program William LaForge discusses how to successfully prepare and deliver testimony at congressional hearings. He spoke at a lunch event at the … Read more

Debate Continues Over Expiring Tax Cuts

With mid-term elections approaching in November, there is increased debate over the tax cuts from the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTTRA) that are set to expire at the end of this year. On July 14, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on extending those tax cuts. Pete Davis, a … Read more

Testifying Before Congress by William LaForge

Testifying Before Congress

A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials

By William N. LaForge

This book can serve as a guide through the unique maze of the Congressional hearings process for virtually any witness or organization, including especially federal departments and agencies, the federal judiciary, members and staff of the legislative branch itself, associations, corporations, the military service branches, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private and voluntary organizations (PVOs), public interest entities, state and local governmental officials and institutions, and individuals who are chosen to appear as a witness before Congress for any reason on any topic.

2010, 450 pages
Hardbound, $77
ISBN 10: 158733-172-1
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-172-5

Softcover, $67
ISBN 10: 158733-163-2
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-163-3

Available from your favorite bookseller. For more information, see TestifyingBeforeCongress.com

The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to commence its confirmation hearing on June 28 to consider the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace Associate Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court. As many experts predict, Ms. Kagan may pass the Senate test with flying colors en route to confirmation.

Leaving the substance and content of her testimony to her White House handlers, and ideology and judicial philosophy aside for a moment, I would focus Ms. Kagan’s attention on the two major roles and responsibilities of a hearing witness: to present effective and compelling oral testimony that makes the case for her confirmation and to be responsive in answering questions posed to her by the committee.

The Senate hearing will be Ms. Kagan’s chance to make the record, correct misperceptions, refute inaccuracies, and frame and advance the merits of her nomination in terms she chooses. If she follows a few well-tested and time-honored cardinal rules as a hearing witness, she stands a good chance of “wowing” the committee, and eventually the full Senate, with the delivery of substantive and skillfully presented testimony and answers to questions and an engaging demeanor as a witness. Here is a list of top-tier tips for consideration:

Some Tips for Kagan’s Hearings — Be Prepared, by Bill LaForge, Roll Call, June 10, 2010
Coming this summer:
Testifying Before Congress: A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials

Testifying Before Congress

Testifying Before Congress
A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials

By William N. LaForge

As a practical guide to assist witnesses and their organizations in preparing and delivering Congressional testimony, this book is designed for use by anyone or any organization called upon to testify before a committee of the United States Congress, and for those who are providing assistance in preparing the testimony and the witness. This book can serve as a guide through the unique maze of the Congressional hearings process for virtually any witness or organization, including especially federal departments and agencies, the federal judiciary, members and staff of the legislative branch itself, associations, corporations, the military service branches, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private and voluntary organizations (PVOs), public interest entities, state and local governmental officials and institutions, and individuals who are chosen to appear as a witness before Congress for any reason on any topic.

2010, 475-plus pages
Hardbound, $77
ISBN 10: 158733-172-1
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-172-5
Softcover, $67
ISBN 10: 158733-163-2
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-163-3
For more information, see TestifyingBeforeCongress.com
Also see

Supreme Court Nominations

For more information, see SCOTUSNominations.com

Testifying Before Congress

A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials

By William N. LaForge

Testifying Before CongressA Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials

Testifying Before Congress
A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials