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Course Schedule
Defense Capitol Hill Workshop
Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, DoD
Intensive 3-day course |
This workshop includes all of the topics covered in our Capitol Hill
Workshop, with a greater focus and emphasis on defense.
Defense Capitol Hill Workshop is of particular interest to Marine, Navy, Air Force and Army personnel, as well as defense industry employees.
Materials include the
then-available Congressional
Directory and the training edition of the award-winning Congressional Deskbook.
This course is designed for
GS-14 and above, military officers, supervisory personnel,
and Leadership
Development participants, to
meet these leadership competencies: Strategic Vision, Planning and Quality; Identifying/Integrating Key Issues; Setting Work Priorities; Balancing National/Local Interests; Problem Anticipation/Adjustment; Managing Budgetary Processes; and Senior Level Communication.
Also see
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Bring this Defense Capitol Hill
Workshop to your site.
This
Defense Capitol Hill Workshop and any combination of its
topics are available as
custom on-site training for
your staff. We have tailored this course for
program analysts, budget analysts,
military officers, and
others. For
more information about how this training can help your
staff, please contact
our client liaison. |
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What
previous attendees have said about our Capitol Hill
Workshop |
"Best course
in my 18 years of government service!"
"A must-take
course."
"Every Federal
Manager should take it."
"Ideal 3-day
seminar for all federal employees."
"Excellent program -
very informative w/entertaining, knowledgeable speakers
from different backgrounds."
"Recommend this
workshop to anybody interested in learning how Washington
really works."
"Wonderful speakers
and content."
"I've been with the FAA for 37 years and this is one
of the best courses I've ever taken!"
"Very informative,
helps my perspective on how/why [our agency] gets
treated the way we do by Congress."
See
more testimonials about this Workshop.
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Workshop
materials include |
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Capitol Hill Workshop materials include
the Training Edition of the Congressional
Deskbook "It is hard to
imagine an interested citizen or policy practitioner
who would not learn something from the Congressional
Deskbook."
-- Steve
Frantzich,
Professor, Department of Political Science,
U.S.
Naval Academy
"The Congressional
Deskbook is perfect for anyone who wants to
understand how Congress works. It is concise,
clarion clear and comprehensive all at once. It is
spare and crisp -- but it never oversimplifies. It is
written in lay language, but it never 'dumbs it down.'
The Congressional Deskbook is a unique tool,
one that I use regularly."
-- David
Hawkings,
Senior Editor,
Congressional Quarterly
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Capitol Hill Workshop materials include the
Training Edition of
Persuading Congress
In
Persuading Congress, Joseph Gibson, a longtime veteran of Capitol Hill, offers
masterful counsel to anyone who wants to work well with Congress. In Washington, there are well over 10,000 registered lobbyists. Very few grasp and convey the keys to successful advocacy as well as Gibson does."
-- Martin Gold, Covington & Burling, Washington, DC
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Capitol Hill Workshop
materials include the then-available
Congressional Directory
Directory of the members of the US Senate and the US
House of Representatives, with color photos,
and fold-out map of Capitol Hill.
Wire spiral bound for easy use.
The perfect companion
for the Congressional Deskbook
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Agenda |
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Defense
Capitol Hill Workshop |
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DAY ONE |
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Welcome and Introductions
The Dynamics of Congress
An expert on Congress will discuss the dynamics of the legislative process and the three key elements that drive today's institution: politics, policy, and procedure. He will illuminate the differences between the House and Senate and the nature of the Congress. Be apprised of what legislative initiatives to expect, especially for the defense/security community.
Today’s Legislative Process
The instructor will briefly review how a bill becomes a law by tracking legislation from introduction and referral to committee, through committee hearings and markups, floor consideration, to final passage and presidential action.
Politics and Leadership in the
Current Congress
The instructor will examine the formal and informal leadership structures in the House and Senate, focusing on key defense-oriented leaders and committee assignments. He will analyze the politics, personalities, and policy agendas of the major players of the Congress, and comment on the issues that will be given first, second, and third priority.
Presidential-Congressional Relations
This session will examine the president’s role in the legislative process, how this role evolved, and how the president sets his legislative agenda in Congress today. What characteristics determine a president’s success in passing his legislative agenda? The instructor will compare how the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches has shifted over time, and he will assess White House-Congressional relations in the Congress.
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DAY TWO |
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Congressional
Budgeting Today
This session will introduce the congressional budget process, the major players, procedures, and timing of decisions, with emphasis on development of the defense portion of the budget. The President’s budget, authorizations, appropriations, and reconciliation will be reviewed. Participants will see the "big picture" of federal budgeting, and where defense and security issues fit in.
How the Media
Covers Washington: The White House, Capitol Hill,
and the Pentagon
A reporter will discuss who comprises the Washington press corps, and how they cover the big beats in DC, especially DoD and the Pentagon. Questions to be addressed include: how forthcoming are these institutions with information, what role does the media play in shaping policy debate within these institutions, and what role does it play in elections, campaigns, or in a “war” environment.
Washington
Advocacy: Communicating Effectively with Congress
This session will provide an overview of the current political environment on Capitol Hill and the role of lobbying in today’s legislative process. Discussion will focus on how outside interests, including executive agencies, can educate and communicate effectively with members of Congress and staff to build positive working relationships. The instructor will provide practical suggestions for interacting with members of Congress, as well as important do's and don'ts of communicating with Congress.
Policy Making in Congress
Policy development and decision making in Congress are influenced by many forces. Learn how this occurs in macro and micro settings. Discussion will include the role of the electorate and political parties, as well as Congress’ interactions with the White House, executive agencies, the media, and other political players. The instructor will assess what these factors mean for policy making in Congress, and for the defense/security community.
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DAY THREE |
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Defense and Security Issues in the Current Congress
This session will provide insight into the key players and national security issues Congress is likely to address in its second session. The instructor will examine the relationship between the Pentagon, defense agencies, Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Homeland Security, and evaluate how Congress will distribute its time and resources to deal with defense and security issues, budget deficits, and domestic priorities.
Congressional Relations from a DoD Perspective
A representative from the Department of Defense will discuss the role of congressional liaison offices in establishing and building working relationships with Congress, both committees of jurisdiction and personal offices of members. He will discuss the organization and responsibilities of his legislative affairs team, how a legislative affairs shop can educate and work most effectively with Capitol Hill, and lobbying restrictions of which to be aware.
A Member's Perspective on Politics and Policy
A former member of Congress who served on a defense-related committee will comment on the many pressures and responsibilities that a member must balance in day-to-day decision and policy making. Discussion will include how members advance their legislative and political agenda; deal with large amounts of incoming mail; handle fund raising and press operations; get reelected, and more.
Campaign and Election Trends and Their Impact
The instructor will take an insightful look at the current trends in how campaigns, political communication and elections are conducted in the United States, citing examples from the 2008 campaigns. He will review the political landscape of the United States and interpret what it means for future elections.
The Work of
Personal and Committee Staff
A congressional staff member who focuses on defense related issues will discuss the work environment on the Hill including the positions and responsibilities of committee and personal staff, and the organization of congressional offices. He will focus on what staffers need or expect from outside interests, and how these interests can build strong working relationships with staffers and the Hill. The staffer will also reveal his insights into the dynamics and agendas of his office.
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A detailed
sample sample
Defense/Security
focus agenda is available as a PDF.
Do
you need a training
course we don't offer or coverage of
an additional topic in this course?
If you have suggestions for courses or topics you would like to see us offer, please contact us or complete our
online suggestion form.
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Suggested
Prerequisites |
The
Capitol Hill Workshop gives a broad overview of how
Capitol Hill works and how policy is made. All will gain
valuable insight and perspective, regardless of Hill
experience.
Previous attendees include
executives, managers, agency staff,
technical staff, military officers, government
relations professionals, lawyers, elected officials,
program analysts, budget analysts, and others who need a solid overview
of Congress and the Hill.
If
you need help deciding which courses you should take based
on your work experience or training, please contact
us via email
or phone: 703-739-3790.
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Rave
Reviews |
"This seminar was an
eye-opener."
-- Workshop Attendee, United States Marine Corps
"Provides excellent
insight into legislative workings of Congress which will
only improve our abilities to work with Congress.
Great & insightful presentations.
Wonderful workshop! Thanks for attention to
details."
-- Chief of Contracting, U.S. Air Force
"Best seminar ever."
-- Systems Analyst, DFAS
"Excellent program - very
informative w/entertaining, knowledgeable speakers
from different backgrounds."
-- Government Relations Analyst, TRW, Inc.
"Brings realism to
congressional environment. All the components of this
workshop were very useful."
-- Policy Analyst, DoD
"I knew the big picture.
This program filled in specifics I need to be more
effective in my organization. I thought all of the
speakers were topical, appropriate and interesting.
Very well put together."
-- Deputy Director, Congressional Liaison, military
command
"The program provided an
insightful view into the operations of the legislative
branch. Overall, my expectations for the program were
fully met."
-- Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
"I would strongly
encourage people in the acquisition field to attend this
course."
-- Contracting Officer, Navy
"...gave the big
picture of federal budgeting process and how DOD fits in."
-- Workshop Attendee, Navy Sea Systems, PEO-MIW
"Understanding the
process will help us stay on top of changes to our
appropriation."
-- Budget Analyst, Office of Naval Research
"Taught me how to
communicate effectively with House and Senate members."
-- Workshop Attendee, Navy Sea Systems
See
more testimonials about the Capitol Hill Workshop.
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Time
and Dates |
This
Defense Capitol Hill Workshop and any combination of its
topics are available as
custom on-site training for
your staff.
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Course
Materials |
Workshop materials include
the Training Edition of the
Congressional
Deskbook, the Training Edition of the
Persuading Congress,
and the then-available Congressional
Directory.
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Tuition |
$1495
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Certificate of
Training
and
CEUs |
A Certificate of
Training is available for this
course.
To get a
Certificate of
Training,
your registration fee must be paid in full, and you
must attend the entire course.
 This course is
approved for 1.6 CEUs from George Mason
University.
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FAQs |
FAQs
about our training
including suggested attire.
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Related
Training |
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Related
Resources |
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Educational Tracks |
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Available as custom, on-site training? |
Yes.
This
Congressional seminar is frequently
tailored
for on-site military training.
Please call 703-739-3790 for information.
This course can also be tailored as a 4- or 5-day
Capitol Hill Workshop completely covering all
congressional operations.
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Need
more information? |
Phone:
703-739-3790
Email: registrar -at- TheCapitol.Net
Complete our
online information request.
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Non-Partisan |
TheCapitol.Net is a
non-partisan firm, and the opinions of its faculty,
authors, clients and the owners and operators of its vendors are
their own and do not represent those of TheCapitol.Net.
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URLs: www.TheCapitol.Net/PublicPrograms/capitolhillworkshop_DEFENSE.html
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Last updated:
September 02, 2010
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