Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter
These courses are open for registration to participants from across the federal government (including military personnel) and outside organizations. Our open-enrollment courses fall into several categories, as outlined below.
The Congressional Operations Seminar is our flagship course and the first one most participants take with GAI. This four-day core course provides a comprehensive look at how Congress affects the daily operations of departments and agencies in the executive branch.
Participants then work their way through our curriculum into advanced courses and workshops that target their specific professional needs.
These are foundational courses that provide a comprehensive look at congressional organization and processes. These courses are normally conducted on Capitol Hill in order to immerse participants in the legislative environment and the “culture” that is the U.S. Congress.
Congressional Operations Seminar
Our flagship class and the first course most participants take with the Government Affairs Institute.
Navy Capitol Hill Workshop
A version of our Congressional Operations Seminar with topics and briefings of most interest to officials from the Department of the Navy and other defense organizations.
Congressional Briefing for Presidential Management Fellows
Foundational congressional course and a unique 5-day training opportunity for participants in the federal PMF program.
Understanding Congress: Primer for the Intelligence Community
A comprehensive introduction to the U.S. Congress tailored for employees from any U.S. federal government department or agency with an interest in the intelligence and national security area.
Agency-Specific Core Courses
We offer multiple versions of the Congressional Operations Seminar that are open to employees of specific federal agencies. Agency personnel who are interested in registering should inquire with a supervisor to determine whether they are eligible to attend. These include:
For those who already possess a solid understanding of congressional structure and operations, our advanced courses offer an opportunity to develop deeper expertise in specific aspects of congressional activity.
Advanced Budget and Appropriations Process
This course offers a thorough explanation of the congressional budget and appropriations process and can be especially helpful to individuals who participate in any phase of their agency’s budget formulation.
Advanced Legislative Process
A course with an in-depth focus on legislative procedure and strategy, including bill drafting, the referral process and House and Senate floor procedures.
Executive – Legislative Branch Relations
This course provides a detailed overview of the myriad forms of interaction between the executive and legislative branches.
Characterized by small class sizes and a more interactive focus, our workshops offer hands-on experience and practical guidance in a specific aspect of working with Congress.
Working and Communicating with Congress
This course offers comprehensive instruction on the various components of communicating with congressional staff and includes hands-on workshops on how to brief appropriators and respond to congressional correspondence.
Congressional Justifications Workshop
This course focuses on how to write effective budget justifications and includes intensive hands-on exercises.
Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony
This workshop is intended to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to prepare and/or deliver the best possible testimony. It often culminates with a very realistic simulated hearing, which can also be held in an actual committee hearing room.
These one-day courses explain and analyze major events in Congress and provide an opportunity for participants to stay up to date on the latest developments on Capitol Hill.
The New Congress
This short course is conducted following the congressional elections and examines key changes to leadership, membership and committees. Topics also include the outlook for the annual appropriations process and a prospective oversight agenda.
Congressional Update
Offered only after the conclusion of the First Session of a new Congress, this course focuses on key legislative accomplishments and developments while also looking ahead to the Second Session.
Academically enriching coursework that is a primary component of the Legislative Studies Certificate Program. Research seminars deepen participants’ knowledge about Congress by facilitating thoughtful discussions through smaller classes. Participants register for research seminars after successful completion of core and advanced courses and an official acceptance into the certificate program.
For more information on the research seminars and to review our current offerings click here.
Most of our open-enrollment courses above can be specially tailored for a specific agency, office or organization. We also have certain classes that are only offered on a tailored basis. You can learn more about our tailored programming here.
Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter
Get in touch
