Congressional intent
This volume examines the shift in the emphasis of the United States Congress from a deliberative body to a focal point for political pressures.
xix, 167 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
9780275941970, 0275941973
25550914
Foreword / Donald Rumsfeld
pt. I. Study and Deliberation. 1. Prologue. 2. Study and Deliberation in Congress. Congress as a Study and Deliberative Body. "Invisible Handshakes" Become Visible. Ex Parte in Camera versus Open Debate. Voting Based on Hearings Transcripts. Integrity of the Committee Forum. 3. Congress and the Presidents. Imperial Presidency. War Powers Resolution. Power Strategies
Forum Shopping. Pressures from the Opposition Party. Lobbyist Strategies and the Presidency. 4. The Will of the House. Consensus-Adversaries. Partisan Politics. Facts and Fair Argument. Influence of Minority. 5. Committees: House of Representatives. Evolution of House Committees. Testimony before Committees. Committees of the House. Committee Staffing
pt. II. Undermining the Study and Deliberative Process. 6. Executive Strategies. Separation of Powers. Liaisons. Logrolling. Committee Shopping. Junkets. 7. The Germaneness Issue. What Is Germane? Jurisdiction Conflicts. Rules of the House. Unanimous Consent Defenses. 8. Committee and Rules Strategies. The "Markup" Session. Waiving Points of Order. Senate-House Conference Bills. The "Christmas Tree" Bill. Closed Rules
pt. III. The Public Interest. 9. Special Interest and Lobbyist Agenda. The Tunnel Vision Syndrome. Tactics and Maneuvers. Legislators as Lobbyists. 10. Blueprint for Reform. Professionally Audit Congress from Outside. Stop ex Parte in Camera Contact. Stick to Representation, Not Ombudsmanship. Limit Terms of Office in Both Houses. Follow Existing House Rules. Strengthen Federal Elections Commission. Limit Subcommittee Autonomy. Curb Special Interest Access. Epilogue