Surviving Inside Congress - Sixth Edition

Here is a short summary of this book - over 40,000 are circulating in Capitol Hill Offices

Aug 15, 2024

The Sixth Edition of Surviving Inside Congress has hit Capitol Hill. Since the first edition was published in 2009, close to 40,000 copies have been distributed to Congress. This edition (likely the final one) includes a new Congress and the Courts chapter.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul D. Ryan wrote:

“Our Founders designed such a unique and beautiful system of representative democracy, but the complexities of our legislative branch can be difficult to understand and navigate.
Surviving Inside Congress demystifies how Congress really works. It expertly details the players, processes, and pressure points involved in policy-making and offers readers a comprehensive roadmap to understanding Capitol Hill. Surviving Inside Congress is invaluable for anyone looking to make a difference, and the countless kernels of wisdom it provides will benefit staff and Members alike.”

Overview:

"Surviving Inside Congress" is a comprehensive guide aimed at congressional staffers, particularly those who are new or relatively inexperienced. The book serves not only as a practical manual for understanding the inner workings of Congress but also as a tool for those interested in how the U.S. Congress operates. Authored by Mark N. Strand, Michael S. Johnson, Jerome F. Climer, and Timothy Lang, the sixth edition reflects its contributors' collective experience and insights, drawing on years of service and interaction with the legislative branch.

For those interested in more details, an extensive chapter-by-chapter summary can be found here. You can get a copy of your book soon on Amazon or today at https://bit.ly/SIC6th.

Structure:

The book is divided into 18 chapters, each dealing with different aspects of life and work within Congress. The chapters guide the reader from the historical foundations of Congress to the day-to-day operations and strategic communication required to navigate this political environment successfully. In addition, the book includes two appendices: a U.S. House of Representatives Floor Procedures Manual and a Congressional Glossary, which provide essential tools for understanding legislative processes and terminology.

Key Themes:

Historical Context and Evolution of Congress: The book begins by placing Congress in a historical context, starting with the inception of the U.S. Congress in 1789. It reflects on the evolution of the legislative body, highlighting how the roles of its members and their staff have changed over time due to population growth, increased legislative responsibilities, and the complexities of modern governance.
The Role of Congressional Staff: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to congressional staffers' roles, responsibilities, and expectations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding both the political and policy aspects of their work and the necessity of strategic communication skills. The authors note that while staffers play a crucial role in the legislative process, they often remain behind the scenes, their contributions largely unrecognized by the public.
Legislative Processes and Procedures: The book offers detailed explanations of the legislative process, from the genesis of a law to its formal introduction and passage. It covers the importance of managing legislative duties effectively, understanding power dynamics within Congress, and navigating the complex rules and traditions that govern legislative procedures.
Strategic Communication: The book focuses on the importance of strategic communication, both within Congress and with the public. The authors stress that communication staffers need to be well-versed in public opinion, media relations, and crafting messages that resonate with constituents and legislators.
Challenges and Opportunities: The book does not shy away from discussing the challenges faced by Congress and its staffers, including the pressures of partisanship, the influence of public opinion, and the complexities of dealing with the private sector. However, it also presents these challenges as opportunities for growth, learning, and making meaningful contributions to the legislative process.

Conclusion:

"Surviving Inside Congress" is a vital resource for anyone working in or with the U.S. Congress. Its practical advice, historical insights, and emphasis on strategic communication make it an essential guide for congressional staffers at any stage of their careers. With its updated content and added perspectives, the sixth edition continues to fulfill the Congressional Institute's mission of helping Congress serve the public more effectively and educating the public about the legislative process.

A much more extensive chapter-by-chapter summary is available here. My wife told me that not many people would read such a lengthy document unless they had a deep interest in the content or are considering it as a part of a college syllabus.