Legislative Agenda

Catalog description

The course explores the intersection of policy and political strategies on Capitol Hill. Students will learn the inner dynamics of how Members of Congress select, pursue and achieve their policy objectives on Capitol Hill; how policy proposals are developed within various platforms (congressional leadership, committees, working groups and caucuses, the White House); the role of communications strategies in supporting legislative initiatives; the interplay of constituents; the incorporation of policies into amendments, committee markups, report language, managers amendments and other devices. Each session will offer a guest perspective from a Member of Congress or senior staff member. Students will be expected to choose a policy initiative and develop a legislative strategy to achieve implementation.