Publications

Writing Congressional Testimony – Custom, On-Site Training from TheCapitol.Net

Our “Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony” course is commonly offered as a 2-day custom on-site training program for executives, scientists, managers, attorneys, and others who are involved with preparing for and delivering testimony at congressional hearings. For more than 30 years, TheCapitol.Net and its predecessor, Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, have been training professionals from government, … Read more

Senate Confirmation Hearings

Some of the most highly publicized Senate hearings are those held for the purpose of considering presidential nominations. These nominations may include cabinet positions and nominations for other executive branch political offices, federal judges and U.S. diplomatic posts. photo credit: Harvard Law Record Witnesses at nomination and confirmation hearings typically include the individual nominated as … Read more

Congressional Oversight and Investigative Hearings

Although there are many different types of congressional hearings, some of the most well known and often discussed in the media are oversight and investigative hearings. Such hearings may be conducted whenever a committee chooses to do so, although they are often conducted in association with a public policy question or an accountability matter. Oversight … Read more

The Link between the Congressional Committee System and Legislation

Different congressional committees within each chamber of Congress conduct most of the work on legislation, including the preparation that must occur on a bill leading to floor consideration. photo credit: barbourians Bills are referred to congressional committees for any needed further action. In the event a committee decides an issue or a bill has merit, … Read more

The Power of the Majority Party in Congress

There is no getting around the fact that members of the majority party typically decide the most crucial questions presented to Congress. Furthermore, members of the majority party also primarily control what will be considered by their chambers on a daily basis. In the end, the fact that a member can vote does not really … Read more

Federal Financial Support for State and Local Governments

Federal assistance provided to states, local governments and Indian tribes can take the form of grants, loans, loan guarantees and tax subsidies. Such assistance is intended to provide these entities with the ability to address national objectives. photo credit: CountyLemonade One of the most common forms of financial support provided to states and localities is … Read more

Delivering Testimony Before Congress – Custom, On-Site Training from TheCapitol.Net

Our “Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony” course is commonly offered as a 2-day custom on-site training program for executives, scientists, managers, attorneys, and others who are involved with preparing for and delivering testimony at congressional hearings. For more than 30 years, TheCapitol.Net and its predecessor, Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, have been training professionals from government, … Read more

Appointment and Confirmation of Federal Judges

The power to appoint all federal judges is shared by the president and the Senate. The legal framework for such appointments is established by provisions within the Constitution under Article II, Section 2, Clause 2. photo credit: LithiumP4 Nominations for judicial appointments by the president are transmitted by message to the Senate. The message is … Read more

Moving from Strategic Planning to Execution in Your Lobbying Practice

In a scenario that is all too common, an organization conducts an intensive strategic planning session involving a significant amount of resources – then the resulting plan gathers dust. photo credit: Krieg-Hammer During the planning session, everyone is enthusiastic and shares the same vision. You return to the office energized and ready to put the … Read more