Congressional Briefing - Election Briefing
Intensive 3-day briefing following the Election

This Briefing includes all of the topics covered in our Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop, with a greater focus and emphasis on the results and consequences of the most recent elections.

Congressional Briefing - Election Briefing is of particular interest to anyone needing more background on how Capitol Hill really works and who needs early insight into the 116th Congress and the administration.

You will leave this Briefing with a solid understanding of:

• Congressional operations and the legislative process
• How public and foreign policy become law
• Congressional politics and leadership
• Congressional budgeting today
• The role of OMB in the legislative process
• Effective communication with Congress
• How the media covers the Hill
• The new Congress

More Information
Agenda	When	Where	Related Training	Policies

Plus outstanding course materials - materials include the then-available Congressional Directory, the Training Edition of Persuading Congress, and the Training Edition of the award-winning Congressional Deskbook.

This Briefing is designed for executives, federal employees GS-13 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 these other programs that can be customized for your organization: Working with the White House: White House Workshop and Presidential Transtions.

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This sponsored course is tailored for your group's specific needs.

The program fee for sponsored courses includes program development, faculty, materials, and classroom space in the DC area for up to 20 attendees (the program fee also includes AV, breaks and lunch). *  We will contact you after we receive your registration to finalize details.

See the FAQs About Sponsored Courses for more information.  

Government agencies: please see the GSA Schedule for our GSA contract pricing.

TheCapitol.Net, Inc.
Contract GS02F0192X  

	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
	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
	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

Agenda	Congressional Briefing - Election Briefing Also see our regular Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop Day One 8:30 am - 4:15 pm (networking lunch at noon, breaks taken in morning and afternoon)   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 review differences between the House and Senate, as well as what happens at the end of one Congress and the beginning of a new Congress. Today's Legislative Process and Congressional Operations 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. The political and procedural aspects at play in every step will be discussed. Politics and Leadership in the New Congress: Winners, Losers, and What the Election Means for the New Congress An experienced political analyst will discuss the formal and informal leadership structures in the House and Senate, focusing on key leadership players and committee assignments. He will also comment on the midterm elections and what they mean for the new Congress in terms of leadership and issues. Public Policy and Foreign Policy Making in Congress and in Washington The many forces that influence policy development and decision making in Congress will be discussed in a macro and micro sense. 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. Day Two 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (networking lunch at 12:30 pm, breaks taken in morning and afternoon)   Washington Advocacy: Communicating Effectively with the Old and New Congress This session will provide an overview of the current environment on Capitol Hill and advocacy in today's legislative process. Discussion will focus on how outside interests, including executive agencies, can communicate effectively with members of Congress and staff, and build positive working relationships. The instructor will provide practical suggestions as well as important do's and don'ts of interacting with Congress. Outcomes of the Election and Campaign and Election Trends The instructor will present an expert analysis of the key results of the November election, and interpret what they mean for the political landscape of the U.S. He will also take an insightful look at trends in how campaigns, political communication, and elections are conducted in the United States, citing examples from the recent campaigns. Presidential-Congressional Relations: Implications for the Relationship Between the New Congress and the White House The instructor will examine how acts by the U.S. Congress have helped create the institutional presidency, and shifted the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. He will review how the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches has shifted over time, and look ahead at the potential working relationship between the White House and the Congress. How the Media Covers Washington: The White House, Capitol Hill and the Pentagon An experienced reporter will discuss who comprises the Washington press corps, and how they cover the big beats in DC. Questions to be addressed include: how forthcoming are these institutions with information, what role does the media play in shaping policy debate in these institutions, and what role does it play in elections, campaigns, and a "war" environment. A Member's Perspective on Politics and Policy A former member of Congress will analyze the many pressures and responsibilities that a member must balance in day-to-day decision-making and policy-making. Discussion will include how members make voting decisions; advance legislative and political agenda; handle press operations and fund-raising; deal with incoming mail and other communications; get re-elected, and more. Day Three 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (networking lunch at 11:45 am, breaks taken in morning and afternoon)   Congressional Budgeting Today This session will introduce the congressional budget process, the major players, procedures, and timing of decisions. The President's budget, authorizations, appropriations, and reconciliation will be reviewed, and attendees will see the "big picture" of federal budgeting. The Role of OMB in the Legislative Process The instructor will examine the role of the executive branch in the legislative process from initial proposal, to draft legislation, through congressional consideration, to signing ceremony in the Rose Garden. Discussion will include the important role of the Office of Management and Budget in the formulation and approval of legislation and the president's official policy program. Polling in America This session will discuss how polling is done in America today including how topics and subjects are chosen, the technology, and the behind the scenes methodology. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to interpret poll results reported in the news, and how they can become more informed consumers of poll results. The instructor will also touch on the influence of polls on decision-making in Congress, and at all levels of government. The Work of Personal and Committee Staff A congressional staff member will discuss the work environment on the Hill including the positions and responsibilities of committee and personal staff, and the organization of congressional offices. She 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. She will also provide her insights into the dynamics and agendas of her committee. This Briefing is also available as a custom program with a Defense/Security focus or a Homeland Security focus. 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.
Suggested Prerequisites	The Congressional Briefing - Election Briefing 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, but it will be particularly valuable to you if you want early insight into the new  Congress. Previous attendees include executives, managers, agency staff, technical staff, military officers, government relations professionals, lawyers, elected officials, program analysts, budget analysts, and others who needed 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: 202-678-1600.
Time and Dates	Day 1: 8:30 am to 4:15 pm Day 2: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Day 3: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm This Sponsored Course Requires Three (3) Days
Location	This course can be presented at your location in Washington, DC, or at a location in Washington, DC, that we provide.  *  For a map with a brief list of hotels near the Capitol, click here. When we arrange space, we use these Washington, DC, locations.
Course Materials	Briefing materials include the Training Edition of the Congressional Deskbook, the Training Edition of the Persuading Congress, and the then-available Congressional Directory.
Certificate of Training and CEUs	A Certificate of Training is available for this Briefing. To get a Certificate of Training, your registration fee must be paid in full, and you must attend the entire Briefing. Approved for 1.7 CEUs from George Mason University.
Related Training	The New Congress The President's Budget The Defense Budget Update on Congress Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop Advanced Legislative Procedure Advanced Federal Budget Process Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments How to Research and Compile Legislative Histories
Policies	See https://www.thecapitol.net/PublicPrograms/CoursePolicies_Sponsored.html All statements and discussion at all of our courses, workshops and seminars, public and custom, are off the record and not for attribution, unless specified otherwise. The resulting confidentiality ensures a frank and free exchange of views.
FAQs	FAQs about our sponsored courses including suggested attire.
Program Fee and Registration	$28,750 - for up to 20 attendees * The program fee includes program development, faculty, materials, and classroom space in the DC area for up to 20 attendees (the program fee also includes AV, breaks and lunch). We will contact you after we receive your registration to finalize details. Registration and payment at least 3 weeks before the Workshop is required so the program can be customized for your specific needs. For more information see FAQs About Our Sponsored Courses.  * = There is a discount if you provide classroom space in the DC area, AV, breaks and lunch. This Workshop can be also presented outside the DC area. Contact us for details.     Fax or Mail: Print out and complete the registration form (in Adobe pdf). The completed form should include your method of payment.    Fax the completed form to us at 202-688-2424.    Mail the completed form to us at TheCapitol.Net, Inc., PO Box 25706, Alexandria, VA  22313-5706
Available as custom, on-site training?	Yes. Our Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop is frequently tailored for on-site agency and military training.  Please call 202-678-1600 for information. This course can also be tailored as a 4- or 5-day Capitol Hill Workshop completely covering all congressional operations.
Need more information?	Phone: 202-678-1600 Email: registrar -at- TheCapitol.Net Complete our online information request.
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.

URLs: www.TheCapitol.Net/PublicPrograms/capitolhillworkshop_ELECTION.html
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This Sponsored Course Requires Three Days
8:30 am to 4:00 pm

   
Approved for 1.7 CEUs from George Mason University.

All of our courses and workshops include extensive interaction with our faculty, making our courses and workshops both educational and mini-consulting sessions with substantive experts.

Rave Reviews

"This seminar has helped me better understand the complicated yet interwoven procedures within the authorization and appropriations process. . . this seminar will assist me in developing a more persuasive argument defending my programs."
-- Workshop Attendee, Navy Recruiting Command (from Capitol Hill Workshop: 2010 Election)

"Understanding the 'players' and the processes used by Congress will help our staff improve our responses to Congress on our programs."

"Understanding the U.S. process will provide context for our future discussions on common issues of interest. As well, the perspectives on the Obama administration were fascinating and valuable for our negotiation going forward, as a member of the Canadian government."
-- Senior Analyst, Canada Border Services Agency (from Capitol Hill Workshop: 2008 Election)

"One of the best courses I've taken under govt sponsorship." 
-- Program Director, FAA

"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

"Excellent choice of presenters.  Would recommend this workshop to anybody interested in learning how Washington really works." 
-- Program Manager, FAA

"What an outstanding 3 days!  A wonderful use of my time. All aspects of this program were useful." 
-- Director, Public Affairs, Fortune 500 company

"Excellent program - very informative w/entertaining, knowledgeable [faculty] from different backgrounds." 

"Taught me how to communicate effectively with House and Senate members."   
-- Workshop Attendee, Navy Sea Systems

"Excellent course. Every Federal Manager should take it." 
-- Deputy Director, Office of Competitive Sourcing Acquisition, FAA

"What an extraordinary group of speakers. All were extremely dynamic." 
-- Senior Administrator, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

"I was able to get 'real-world' insight into the actual operations of congress. It was awesome."  
-- Group Manager, Government Agency

See more testimonials about the Capitol Hill Workshop.

Faculty

A team of more than 12 Hill and political experts, each with at least 10 years' experience in observing or working with or in Congress, teach this intensive 3-day course.

Select Previous Faculty

Ken Ackerman

Hon. Michael Andrews

Col. Michael Barron

Steven Billet

Glen Bolger

Clinton Brass

Hon. Jim Chapman

Ann Compton

Rhodes Cook

Stephen Daggett

Chris Davis

Sid Davis

Chris Deering

John Donnelly

Hon. Thomas Downey

Hon. Dennis Eckart

Ron Elving

Ron Faucheux

Hon. Vic Fazio

Lee Fritschler

Jim Garamone

Deanna Gelak

Don Gessaman

Philip Joyce

Sheilah Kast

Kevin "Spanky" Kirsch

William LaForge

Bob Levi

Robert McLean

Col. Alan Metzler

Roy Meyers

Cleta Mitchell

Ned Monroe

Walter Oleszek

Betsy Palmer

Chuck Parkinson

Paul Powell

David Rehr

Steve Roberts

Mark Rozell

Paul Rundquist

Hon. Patricia Schroeder

Hon. David Skaggs

Hon. Jim Slattery

James Thurber

Pat Towell

Gene Ulm

Hon. Robert Walker

Stephen Wayne

Hon. William Zeliff

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