Four Out of Ten Books Published by TheCapitol.Net Receive High Honors at Benjamin Franklin Awards

How many presses can claim 40 percent of their books as winner or finalist in one of the publishing industry’s most prestigious awards? TheCapitol.Net is one that can. The Virginia-based DC-area publisher has published ten titles, all on understanding how the federal government, Washington, and the media actually work. Four of them have received recognition … Read more

Advanced Legislative Strategies, 3-day course in Washington, DC, from TheCapitol.Net

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

Capitol Hill Workshop – 3-days on the Hill: How Congress Works, in Washington, DC

Capitol Hill Workshop: Politics, Policy, and Process In this engaging workshop and seminar on legislative operations, Washington-based experts focus on these 3 P’s. They discuss the policy-making process and the legislative agenda, help you understand the congressional budget process, and demystify the culture of the U.S. Congress. You will leave this workshop with a solid … Read more

Capitol Hill Workshop – 3-day Legislative-Executive Seminar in Washington, DC

Capitol Hill Workshop: Politics, Policy, and Process In this engaging workshop and seminar on legislative operations, Washington-based experts focus on these 3 P’s. They discuss the policy-making process and the legislative agenda, help you understand the congressional budget process, and demystify the culture of the U.S. Congress. photo credit: popmisa You will leave this workshop … Read more

A Guide to Voting on the House Floor (CongressionalGlossary.com)

There are four types of votes that occur in the House of Representatives. They are voice, division, yea and nay, and record votes. A voice vote refers to members calling out ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ whenever a question is put in the House. The Speaker will determine the outcome of the vote by the volume of … 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

Rise / Rise and Report (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Rise: In order only in the Committee of the Whole during the amendment stage, it has the effect of terminating or suspending debate on the pending matter. Rise and Report: Term to refer to the culmination of proceedings in the Committee of the Whole. The … Read more

A Guide to Reconciliation Legislation

Congress has utilized reconciliation more often than not, beginning in 1980. This special type of legislation is often used for implementing significant budget policies and for bringing existing revenue and spending law in line with policies in a budget resolution. Although reconciliation is an entirely optional process, it has been increasingly used in recent years. … Read more

Reapportionment and Redistricting (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Reapportionment and Redistricting Every ten years, following the decennial census, seats in the House are reapportioned among the states based on each state’s population relative to the other states. Also see Apportionment (CongressionalGlossary.com) and Reapportionment / Redistricting (CongressionalGlossary.com)   Reapportionment and Redistricting 3/23/2012   Under … Read more

Early Organization Meetings of Congress

Since the mid-1970s, both chambers of Congress have convened early organization meetings in November or December of even-numbered years as a way to prepare for the beginning of the new Congress in January of the following year. Such meetings serve educational as well as social and organizational purposes. photo credit: seeveeaar Educational sessions of early … Read more