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Capitol Hill Workshop

The 97th Congress - Archive Edition

October 19-21, 1981

Office of the Secretary of Transportation Presents
Capitol Hill Workshop:
A Seminar of the Legislative Process
Held at The Capitol Hill Club.

 

Since early 1981, a new Congress, different in party alignment and political ideology, has been sitting in Washington. Action by this 97th Congress will directly affect every American in almost every area of human pursuit, including quality of life, economic policy, environmental controls, business regulations and national security. Crucial legislation will be debated and acted upon, ranging from proposed tax revisions to innovative social reform measures. Additionally, Congress has the obligation to carry out its regular responsibilities for conducting oversight investigations and attending to constituent needs.

National attention will further focus on the interaction between Congress and an equally new President. The manner in which the two branches work together, while retaining their institutional identities, comprises the essence of democratic government. In a large part, the relationship relies on the art of negotiated compromise, knowledge of organized public interests and appreciation of the personal qualities traditional to the American body politic.

How the 97th Congress responds to the demands of the 1980's at a time of economic uncertainty, finite energy resources and global tensions, will help determine the nation's welfare and fix the U.S. 's role in the international community. Thus, to understand where the country is headed, it is necessary for responsive Federal managers and executives to learn as much as possible about our national lawmakers and the institution they serve.

Congress Moving into the '80's: An Historical Overview: Walter Oleszek, Specialist in American Government, Congressional Research Service

An Analysis of the Current Fiscal and Monetary Situation: Wilbur Mills, Former chairman of House Ways & Means Committee

How a Bill Doesn't Become a Law: Cathy Rudder

Public Attitudes & Opinions: Richard Scammon, Director, Election Research Center

The Mysterious Budget Process: Allen Schick, Professor, Maryland University

Dealing with the Hill's Power Structure: Forrest Rettgers

Current Issues on Capitol Hill: Rep. Newt Gingrich

Future Problems Awaiting Congress: Robert Delaney, President, Michael Moynihan Associates

The Mid-East: An Update: Judith Kipper

Congress and the Other Branches: John Kramer

The House Committee on Public Works and Transportation: Clyde Woodle

Looking Toward the 1982 Elections: Tom Mann

Congress and PAC's: H. Richard Mayberry

Observing Washington Politics: Haynes Johnson