Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process
- Walter J. Oleszek - Congressional Research Service , American University Washington
- Mark J. Oleszek - Congressional Research Service
- Elizabeth Rybicki - Congressional Research Service
- Bill Heniff Jr. - Congressional Research Service
– William F. Connelly Jr., Washington & Lee University
Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process examines the entire arc of the legislative process—from a bill’s introduction, to its signature into law, to congressional review of the law’s administrative implementation—and the many procedural pitfalls that exist along the way. Author Walter J. Oleszek and new co-authors Mark Oleszek, Elizabeth Rybicki, and Bill Heniff, Jr. do not shy away from the complexity of the topic, yet they ensure that the operations of Congress are understandable to students and practitioners alike. Through an array of interesting examples, case studies, and the authors’ personal anecdotes, this definitive work delivers timely explanation and analysis of the nation’s premier lawmaking institution.
“Oleszek’s book is wonderful! It works its way systematically through all the issues that need to be covered in a comprehensive study of Congress; it touches on much of the literature that we go on to read in full and thus shows how all the literature on Congress works together; it is utterly non-partisan (which is crucial); and it demonstrates a love of Congress and a respect for how the institution has developed over time. Oleszek gives enough history, enough current events, and enough theory for the students to see how all things congressional hang together. This book is the centerpiece of the class, and I’d never give it up!”
“Walter Oleszek’s Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process is the gold standard of books on Congress, providing the ideal backbone to any course on Congress. The book is a must-read for Hill interns and new staff if they want to be effective in their jobs and make a difference. He who knows the rules, rules – and Walter Oleszek knows the rules. The book is fair and evenhanded in addressing controversies in Hill politics and among political scientists. A solid foundation for anyone seeking to understand Congress today. None better.”
“Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process is well written, well researched and answers important questions about Congress in an accessible way. The strengths of the text clearly lie in the attention to congressional procedure. The text offers a detailed explanation of difficult concepts like filling the amendment tree and the budget and appropriation process. These sometimes highly technical concepts are explained in comprehensive yet clear terms and usually are accompanied by a visual aid of some sort. The graphics are especially important for the students. The explanation also includes plentiful examples and anecdotes from the process. These anecdotes are particularly illuminating when it comes to understanding how the rules and norms of the House and Senate are put into action by members.”