The Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop is one of our most-popular custom training programs. The training provides federal agencies, government relations teams, nonprofits, and other organizations with a complete overview of congressional operations and procedures. It also details how Congress affects the operations of federal agencies and departments including congressional budgeting.
This program is for your professional staff who need to know: • Congressional procedure • The policy-making process in Washington • The work of committees in the legislative process • Executive-Legislative relations • Congressional budgeting • The role of the media • How to work with Hill staff
The Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop is designed for executives, federal employees, military officers, supervisory personnel, SES, and Leadership Development participants.
The training is customizable as a 1-5 day program.
Welcome and Introductions
The Dynamics of Congress
An expert on Congress discusses the dynamics of the legislative process and the three key elements that drive today’s institution: politics, policy, and procedure. The instructor illuminates the differences between the House and Senate and the nature of the current Congress.
Today’s Legislative Process
The instructor briefly reviews 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 examines the formal and informal leadership structures in the House and Senate, as well as the politics and personalities of the major players in Congress. He focuses on key leadership players and committee assignments and comments on the current Congress in terms of leadership and issues.
Policy Making in Washington
Policy development and decision making in Congress are influenced by many forces. Learn how this occurs in macro and micro settings. Discussion includes 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 assesses what these factors mean for policy making in Congress.
For examples of 2, 3, 4 or 5 day training agendas, please email training@sunwater.org
The fee for this program depends on the location, number of attendees, length, and training materials. For more information reach out to training@sunwater.org
“I now have a better understanding of the working of Congress and I see why the legislative process can be so long. It all was very useful since this is a new area of work for me-I feel better equipped to perform the duties of my job.” — Attendee, Administrative Office of the US Courts
“Better able to strategize regarding lobbying efforts and better able to inform my members on status of legislation.” — Government Affairs staffer, national association
The Congressional Operations Briefing – 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. This program is most effective for between 25 and 35 attendees.