Engaging the Media as an Advocate and Lobbyist

Each year, countless dollars are spent on public relations efforts that are specifically designed to capture the attention of legislators. Whether it is an advertisement in Roll Call or a web site ad meant to persuade busy lawmakers and staff, a creative array of messages are developed to formulate a successful advocacy campaign. photo credit: … Read more

“Joseph Gibson on how to improve Congress”

In general I find Congressional reform proposals, including filibuster abolition, difficult to evaluate. There is no simple model at hand. Sometimes the median voter model is useful, but in most cases it implies the reforms don’t matter, a conclusion which I would not wish to accept so readily. Multi-dimensional cycling models often imply that either … Read more

Identifying and Cultivating Key Members of Congress and Contacts for Your Issue

When it comes to identifying and cultivating contacts and influential individuals who can assist you with your issue, it is never too early to begin. Start working with key decision makers on your issue as early as possible. Make it a priority to identify leaders that other congressional members will look toward regarding the development … Read more

Custom, On-Site Congressional Testifying 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

How Witnesses Are Selected to Testify Before Congress

In many instances, witnesses who testify before Congress were invited to do so. In other cases, witnesses have offered to testify. The other ways in which witnesses are selected to testify before Congress are by recommendation and under subpoena. photo credit: bhanu.t On occasion, congressional committees consider or request recommendations made by individuals and organizations … Read more

Understanding Filibusters in Congress

Filibusters are made possible in part due to Senate rules providing that when a senator is recognized to speak regarding a pending measure there are few limitations. Debate is typically unlimited regarding pending measures. Once a senator is recognized, she can yield to another senator for the purpose of a question, but the senator that … Read more

What Role Does the President Play in Legislation?

The executive power of the United States is vested by the Constitution in a president. For instance, Article II, Section 3, states that the President shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient … Read more