Overview

As a senior leader, understanding how Congress functions can help you develop strategies to better represent your department or agency with Members of Congress and Congressional staff. This seminar explores the complex mix of policies, personalities, and politics that drive policy development on Capitol Hill. 

In order to work effectively with Congress, it is essential to know the culture and realities of Capitol Hill. During this virtual presentation, you’ll get a first-hand look at the workings of Congress by virtually visiting Congressional hearings and interacting with a variety of key players who have worked with Congress.

Through group discussions, breakout exercises, video presentations, and an interactive case study, you’ll gain a better understanding the current political environment in which Federal managers must be effective.   

How You Will Benefit

• Understanding committee and personal office staff structures and their importance can help you communicate more effectively with Members and staff
• Discussing the dynamics of congressional hearings allows you to better understand the electoral pressures on members of Congress  Exploring how and why special interest groups lobby Congress will allow you to further examine the pressures of competing stakeholders
  
• Learn about the key actors in Congress, Congressional decision makers affecting the Executive Branch, and their motivations will help you develop strategies to work more effectively Congress in your role as a Federal executive
• Understanding the authorization, appropriations, and budget process allows you to serve with more vision, political savvy, and awareness
  

Who Should Attend

SES members, GS-15s and their equivalents in local and state government

Additional Information

Online courses will use either Zoom, Adobe Connect, or Microsoft Teams for audio and screensharing. You do not need to create accounts or download any programs in order to access these technologies. More information and instructions will be shared prior to the course.

Length
3 days

Contact Hours
24

Participant/Quote/Testimonial

“I’m presently engaged with preparing White House and Congressional briefings, and only wish I had completed this valuable course sooner.”

• External Awareness
  
• Interpersonal Skills
  
• Partnering
  
• Political Savvy
  
• Strategic Thinking
  
• Vision