Understanding Congress: Primer for the Intelligence Community
This 4-day class is designed for personnel from the various component organizations of the Intelligence Community, as well as individuals from any other national security or military department, agency or organization who have a need or interest in understanding Congress’s organization, internal processes and the institution’s unique role in overseeing intelligence and national security issues. By becoming better informed as to how Congress is organized and operates on issues of intelligence, participants can increase their effectiveness in the policymaking environment both within their own agencies and before Congress.
Over the four days on Capitol Hill, participants will hear from—and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of – current and former congressional committee and personal staff, outside experts and observers familiar with intelligence issues, news media representatives, and even Members of Congress. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend committee hearings and/or observe floor action when Congress is in session.
Topics covered may include:
- Leadership and organization in Congress
- Key stages in the authorization process
- Appropriations process and the intelligence budget
- The role of staff on the House and Senate intelligence committees
- Dynamics and intricacies of congressional intelligence oversight
- The role of media and special interests
Target Audience:
Civilian and uniformed employees (GS-11 and above and uniformed equivalent) from any U.S. federal government department or agency with an interest in the intelligence area. Enrollment in this course is restricted to U.S. government personnel but security clearance is not required.
Please note that this course is essentially a tailored version of our Congressional Operations Seminar.
Meets OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications 1, 4, and 5.
Dates: TBD
