Congressional Operations Seminar (June)

This five-day course provides a comprehensive look at congressional processes and organization, and at how Congress affects the daily operations of every department and agency in the executive branch.

The Congressional Operations Seminar, which we have been conducting for more than 40 years, is the first course most participants take with GAI.

Like most Government Affairs Institute courses, the Congressional Operations Seminar is conducted on Capitol Hill in order to provide a first-hand understanding of congressional processes and procedure, as well as the "culture" that is the United States Congress.

Over the course of the week, participants will hear from - and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of - Members of Congress, congressional committee and personal staff, political scientists, lobbyists, and news media representatives.

Topics may include:

• leadership and organization in Congress
• key stages in the authorization process
• the budget and appropriations process
• congressional committee and floor procedure
• representing constituent interests
• the role of committee staff
• congressional oversight of the executive branch
• the relationship between the media and Congress
• the role of special interests in policy formulation

Participants will also be given the opportunity to attend congressional committee hearings and/or observe floor action when Congress is in session.

Target Audience

This course is open to participants from all government agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations. It is designed to help federal personnel and others better understand the ways in which congressional actions affect the daily operations of every department and agency in the executive branch.