From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Cosponsor House and Senate measures may have numerous sponsors in addition to the member who proposes the legislation. It is common in both chambers for the key proponent of a measure (the sponsor) to send a Dear Colleague letter (in print or electronically) to other … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Bipartisan When members from two different political parties (in the contemporary Congress, Democrats and Republicans) work together to find a common solution, or when members from both parties work together in a group or jointly sponsor or co-sponsor legislation. In the House, the Speaker consults … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Rules The term “rules” has two specific congressional meanings. A rule may be a standing order governing the conduct of House or Senate business that is listed among the permanent rules of either chamber. The rules deal with duties of officers, the order of business, … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Executive Session / Executive Business / Secret Session photo credit: glasseyes view Executive Session (1) A meeting of a Senate or House committee (or occasionally of either chamber) that only its members may attend. Witnesses regularly appear at committee meetings in executive session – for … Read more
April Hale completed her certificate in Communication and Advocacy from TheCapitol.Net. The Certificate in Communication and Advocacy is awarded to participants in the program who have completed more than 75 hours of communication and advocacy related training. “I strongly recommend this program to those who want to stay on the cutting edge of advocacy and … Read more
Advanced Legislative Strategies photo credit: garryknight This advanced three-day course builds on the skills of those who have already learned the legislative process and basic congressional operations. In this course, participants learn how to develop high-level strategies and tactics to help educate Congress and influence legislation. August 3-5, 2011, 9 am – 4 pm all … Read more
Many organizations and businesses try to keep themselves separate from what is often seen as the tumult of Congress. While this might work for a brief period of time, eventually Congress notices most industries, whether they wish to be noticed or not. This is particularly true if a business or organization earns a lot of … Read more
As an advocate, you must learn to draft effective one-page summaries that concisely and effectively summarizes your issue, provides relevant talking points and information on the status of a bill, and has your contact information. photo credit: mrbill An effective one-pager includes several critical pieces of information: the issue, background on the issue, status, and … Read more
There is a common misconception that there is only one type of communications crises in the world of public affairs and that all crises should be responded to in the same manner. There are essentially three different types of crises: systemic, adversarial and image. photo credit: uair01 A systemic crisis often involves something related to … Read more
Given the frantic pace that typically takes place on Capitol Hill, it is important to ensure that your meetings are as effective as possible. While it is only natural to desire to meet with a member of Congress, do not become disappointed if you meet with staff instead. Lawmakers rely heavily on their staff out … Read more