Every year, Congress deals with an extremely wide variety of issues, many of which are
quite complex. Despite the increasing numbers of congressional staff with specialized academic
or professional backgrounds, most Members and their aides do not have adequate knowledge of
your industry, your profession, your job, your community, or your issue. Each Member of
Congress needs to balance the role of reflecting the interests he or she represents with the equally
important need to develop public policy that is in the national interest. Without ample contact
from a variety of public sources, there is little chance that this delicate equilibrium will be
achieved successfully. From the basic standpoint of promoting the establishment of sound public
policy, it makes sense for you to understand how Congress operates and how to use your
knowledge to improve the policies Congress makes that affect your interests. However,
while knowledge is certainly a large part of the equation, having a team of professionals to
support your organization’s efforts is equally important. If you are considering professional
assistance, see “How to Choose a Lobbyist” or contact Marlowe & Company so we may lend
you our support.
It is surprising how few of us actually try to influence Congress. Even more alarming is
the lack of knowledge people have about how Congress works. It is true that many of us belong
to organizations or associations that are actively working to influence Congress. Although these
groups can be effective in representing the interests of their members, they cannot succeed
without your involvement. You're the constituent with a vote; the person who knows how a
particular issue affects a Member's specific district or state; the one with the hands-on knowledge
of what an issue means when it is translated into the language of day-to-day reality.
Working with Congress is vital to your interests. That's why it makes sense for you to
understand HOW CONGRESS WORKS and then put your awareness to work by reading the
companion guidebook, HOW TO TALK SO CONGRESS LISTENS. After having read these
publications, any interested persons who want to affect policy in Washington should contact
Marlowe & Company so we may help you devise the proper plan of action for your particular
issue.
To assist in understanding the congressional process, this manual makes use of a "Zone
System." Each zone is a significant sector of legislative activity; and each offers a distinct
opportunity for individuals and interest groups to influence Congress. A description of these
zones is preceded by explanations of how Congress is organized and what is meant by the term
"legislation." Impatient readers may choose (at their own peril) to skim these explanations and
let the brief summaries at the beginning of each section suffice.
Next Chapter - Congressional Organization
