The way in which you conduct research as part of your efforts to lobby for a particular issue can have an important effect on the outcome of that issue. Extreme care must be exercised when preparing any research that will be utilized. photo credit: AlexYo1968 First, double-check and verify everything. This includes the names of … Read more
At times it seems as though Congress is disorganized, but in reality Congress operates according to a set of internal rules that are meant to provide operational structure. These rules begin with basics that are outlined in the Constitution. Each chamber of Congress also has written rules and extensive precedents that are derived from the … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Recede: Motion by one chamber to withdraw from its previous position during amendments between the chambers. Recede and Concur: Motion to withdraw from a position and agree with the other chamber’s position. Recede and Concur with an Amendment: Motion to withdraw from a position and … Read more
Given the size of Congress, consisting of 535 members, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the role of various members and how Congress goes about establishing agendas. photo credit: dougww Just after each election, members of each political party for both Congressional chambers meet in order to elect party leaders. These positions are important … Read more
Special note to readers of Testifying Before Congress and anyone searching for information about congressional hearings, witnesses and testimony: The following information is made available to you as part of the author’s promise to provide periodic updates, revisions and additions to the content of the book (see Appendix Thirteen, page 398, “Keep Up-to-Date”), and especially … Read more
Legislative history involves the proceedings in Congress that relate to a law before it was actually enacted. This can include official reports prepared by congressional committees as well as official statements that are issued by members of Congress. Legislative history may also include testimony given at legislative hearings, and different versions of the text of … Read more
The Legislative Process Flowchart is from § 6.01, Legislative Process Flowchart, in Congressional Deskbook, Copyright © by TheCapitol.Net. See LegislativeProcessFlowchart.com This Legislative Process Flowchart is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution—NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available: www.thecapitol.net, 202-678-1600. TCNLPF.comLegislativeProcessFlowchart.com Related PostsFebruary – March 2013 Legislative, Communication, and … Read more
If you have been called to testify before a Congressional hearing or think that you might be called to do so in the future, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the various types of Congressional hearings and their purposes. photo credit: Tarter Time Photography The main purpose of any Congressional hearing … Read more
It is natural to experience some nervousness when you are called to testify before Congress. Understanding the best way to respond to committee questions when testifying can help alleviate some of your nervousness and also help you to prepare to deliver your testimony effectively. photo credit: familymwr When preparing to answer questions, it is important … Read more
Election 2010: Capitol Hill Workshop: Intensive 3-day course following the 2010 Elections Capitol Hill Workshop: 2010 Election is of particular interest to anyone needing more background on how Capitol Hill really works and who needs early insight into the 112th Congress and the administration. You will leave this workshop with a solid understanding of: Congressional … Read more