Leadership in Congress is particularly important as whichever party has the majority garners the responsibility of choosing committee chairs, setting agendas and scheduling legislation for consideration. Understanding the congressional leadership’s priorities helps you understand future legislation. There are many ways in which you can determine those priorities. photo credit: Mrs. Gemstone There are critical times … Read more
There is often a misconception that drafting legislation is merely about writing, when the truth of the matter is that drafting legislation more accurately and frequently involves identifying, presenting and then resolving issues. Those issues could be related to policy or they might involve a technicality. Therefore, the most critical part of the legislative drafter’s … Read more
When it comes to politics in Washington, most PR people continually operate in crisis mode. This is because it can seem as though there is always a fire to put out, a crisis to manage or preparing to handle a crisis. The way in which you prepare for a crisis often determines how well your … Read more
Understanding the basic rules and aspects of advocacy can prepare you to be a much better advocate for your client. photo credit: Steve Punter It is commonly assumed that the purpose of a trial is to discover the truth. This is actually not the primary purpose of a trial. As an advocate, one of your … Read more
The United States Constitution The War and Military Establishment Clauses are among Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clauses 11, 12, 13, and 14: Obama’s Unprecedented War Powers Claims (Clause 11 – War power) [The Congress shall have Power] To declare War, … Read more
There are many questions that must be considered regarding the drafting of any policy and one is whether Congress actually has the power to do whatever the policy calls for. It must be kept in mind that the federal government only has very limited as well as enumerated powers. Furthermore, the powers of Congress are … Read more
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
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 … Read more
The United States Constitution The Maritime Crimes Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 10: (Clause 10 – Maritime crimes) [The Congress shall have Power] To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law … Read more
Persuading Congress: How to Spend Less and Get More from Congress: Candid Advice for Executives By Joseph Gibson Persuading Congress, by Joseph Gibson, is a a practical book, packed with wisdom and experience. For less than the cost of a cab ride to the airport, you can learn how to stop wasting your time when … Read more