Navy Capitol Hill Workshop

The purpose of the Navy Capitol Hill Workshop is to provide a first-hand understanding not only of congressional process and procedure, but also the "culture" that is the United States Congress. Over the four days, participants will hear from - and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of - Members of Congress, congressional staff, academic observers, interest groups representatives, news media representatives, and executive branch officials, including Navy Office of Legislative Affairs staff. Each four-day workshop is conducted entirely on Capitol Hill.

Participants will receive briefings specifically tailored for the Navy on the current status and insider analysis of legislative issues of most interest and importance to officials of the Department of the Navy. Topics range from the issues and politics of the overall Department of Defense authorization and appropriation to the details of specific programs and systems.

Topics may include:

• leadership and organization in Congress
• key stages in the authorization process
• the budget and appropriations processes
• committee and floor procedure
• the roles of committee and personal staff
• congressional oversight
• the influence of the media and special interests
• the politics of the legislative process
• the role of the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs

Participants will also attend committee hearings and/or observe floor action when Congress is in session.

The target audience for this course includes employees of the Department of the Navy (GS-11 and above or 02 and above) who have a need for a comprehensive understanding of Congress.

Keywords: strategy, Capitol Hill