Congressional Operations Seminar
This core course provides a comprehensive look at congressional processes and organization, and at how Congress affects the daily operations of every department and agency in the executive branch. The Congressional Operations Seminar, which we have been conducting for more than 50 years, is our flagship class and is the first course most participants take with GAI.
The Congressional Operations Seminar is conducted on Capitol Hill in order to provide a first-hand understanding of congressional processes and procedure, as well as the “culture” that is the United States Congress. Over four days, participants can expect to hear from a mix of GAI’s expert faculty, former and current congressional staff, political scientists, elections experts, outside interests, news media, and even Members of Congress.
Topics include:
- Leadership and organization in Congress
- Key stages in the authorization process
- The budget and appropriations process
- Congressional committee and floor procedure
- Representing constituent interests
- The role of personal and committee staff
- Congressional oversight of the executive branch
- The relationship between the media and Congress
- The role of special interests in policy formulation
Participants will also be given the opportunity to attend congressional committee hearings and/or observe floor action when Congress is in session.
Target Audience:
This course is open to participants from all government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations. It is designed to help federal personnel and others better understand the ways in which congressional actions affect policy-making, federal budgets, and the daily operations of every department and agency in the executive branch.
Meets OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications 1, 4, and 5
NOTE: If a class is indicated as “online session,” expect a mix of live virtual sessions/instruction and a few supplemental components to be completed independently. We will provide additional details to all enrolled participants closer to the start date of the class, but live online portions typically run roughly from 9am – 4pm EST on most days, with short breaks throughout the day and a longer break for lunch.
Dates:
May 12 – 15, 2025 ***WAIT LIST ONLY***
June 9 – 12, 2025
July 21 – 24, 2025 ***ONLINE SESSION***
October 6 – 9, 2025
December 8 – 11, 2025
Tuition: $2, 090
