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
It’s no secret that the key to gaining support for an issue in Washington is to gather as many allies as possible and then translate those allies to critical votes. Congress responds to pressure, so the more people and groups you have as allies, the greater chance you have to achieve your goals. photo credit: … Read more
If you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer for the Congress-watcher in your life (or for yourself), look no further than A Better Congress: Change the Rules, Change the Results. The book is written by a congressional insider who knows how the system works—and how people work within the system. Author Joseph Gibson served as … Read more
In his new book “A Better Congress: Change the rules, change the results,” Joseph Gibson proposes a novel idea, why don’t members of Congress use plain English when they write legislation. “If bills were drafted in clearer language, perhaps more members would read and understand them. If the bills then became law, the public might … Read more
“A Better Congress” Author Joseph Gibson Interviewed by Doug McElvein and Debbie Monterrey on Total Information AM, on KMOX-AM, St. Louis, MO Washington insider Joseph Gibson spoke with us about his new book “A Better Congress: Change the Rules, Change the Results”. Listen to the audio here: http://www.thecapitol.net/Publications/ABetterCongress.html From a reader: “Makes a great gift … Read more
Upcoming Media Appearances by Joseph Gibson, Author of A Better Congress Dec. 13, 2010, 7:43 am Eastern KURV-AM 710 AM, McAllen, TX The Valley’s Morning News, with Sergio Sanchez Dec. 13, 2010, 8:40 am Eastern WBAL-AM 1090 AM, Baltimore, MD Dave Durian and The WBAL Morning Show Dec. 13, 2010, 9:50 am Eastern KMOX-AM , … Read more
It’s one of the persistent complaints about our government: Why can’t Congress get anything done? Actually, getting issues debated and voted on is much simpler in the House of Representatives, where only a majority vote is required. But, in the Senate, the process can be much more difficult. Over the past two years, and in … Read more
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Irrespective of which party controls the majority, existing congressional practices will remain in place. Without significant change to those practices, they will produce the same old results. Those same old results have driven the country into a dire situation. It is time to correct for this. It is time — and it … Read more
In attempting to persuade members of Congress to consider your issue, remember that facts reside at the heart of a successful argument. No amount of rhetoric can have more of an impact than facts that are solidly researched. Facts have the ability to make or break your efforts. Before you even begin making any efforts … Read more
Citizen’s Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials: Citizen Advocacy in State Legislatures and Congress – A Guide for Citizen Lobbyists and Grassroots Advocates, by Bradford Fitch Practical guidance how to prepare for and meet with elected officials and staff, how to write effective letters and emails to elected officials, strategies for influencing legislators face-to-face, best practices … Read more