For example, the history of the House of Representatives and the expectation that they're always available to their constituents (in these days of immediate media and communication, how can they possibly find time to build relationships and do any governing?) and that they senate was designed to deliberate as long as necessary (which often means either never or forever) - with tools such as anonymously placing holds on bills so that the bills are never heard. Remember back in your civic class? The Senate operates by unanimous consent, meaning that the most freshman senator can hold up the works for a while (even longer with tag-team filibustering - just don't sit down...).
While I believe it is the best government model available, I can't help but think with a bit more collaboration, so much more good policy could be implemented to improve conditions in our nation and world. What if people who did similar work and shared similar values actually talked with each other on a regular basis? But I've always been a dreamer.
Actually there seems to be more bipartisan cooperation and teamwork in the committees, where Fellows are also assigned. Staff committee work also includes drafting legislation, doing more research, creating briefing papers, holding hearings, arranging speakers, etc. It sounds like more of a typical (if there is such a thing) public health job, so I may lean more toward a personal office of a member for this experience. Fortunately, there's no wrong decision.
So what will I be doing once I have an assignment? According to descriptions of fellows sponsored by other organizations (Brookings, ASPH, RWJF, CDC, NIH, ACPM, AAAS, NASA, for example): drafting legislation, briefing members of Congress, serving as a constituent liaison, planning and participating in committee hearings, and more. How cool is that?
Today was the "job fair" as part of the training, where congressional personal office and committee reps - often the legislative director (more likely from a Congressman's - and so far it has been men) or legislative assistant or correspondent (such as from Senator Clinton's office). I met with about 1/4 of the staff from offices on my list, and with some staff from folks that I haven't considered (such as Sen. Sanders, I, that delightful socialist from Vermont, or the legislative counsel from Harkin's office, Iowa). Everyone seems to love their work, their office, and the potential for real change. Yet they also admit how little has been accomplished under the circumstances of a majority not veto-proof, and an active campaign season for 2008.
The job fair was part speed dating, part Greek Rush. In the next week (especially in the time before the State of the Union and beginning of the 2nd session of the 110th Congress), everyone is scrambling for the best fit - both Fellows and the members' offices. Right now I have a second interview with the office of Congressman Holt (yes, that rocket scientist), and Senators Reed, Sanders, Klobuchar, Landrieu and Lieberman. I'm saying yes to anyone to asks - even if I'm not especially interested in the office or aligned with the member's values, as I see it as a good opportunity to build relationships. Around here, it's clearly who you know.
I've interviewed with Congressman Andrews' LD (legislative director), and Senator Menendez's staff, and I'm also interested in a first interview from the offices of Senators Murray (WA), Brown (OH) and Baucus (MT). I've done my research on both committees and caucuses (cauci?), and this year, am leaning toward a personal office (just with the hunch that not much legislation will easily move forward, and I might see more of the full range of how Congress functions).
I'm sleep-deprived! I come back after a full and challenging day, and have hours of homework preparing for the next round of interviews and pitching to other desired offices. But am optimistic that the eventual decision (maybe as soon as next week - my next posting!) will be sooner than later.
What I'm learning from every office is how important the constituents are - letters/emails and visits - all staff are expected to be responsive, to make constituents a priority, and to remember that constituents put and keep the Member in office. Clearly something for all advocates to remember. And every staff who interviewed me paid more attention whenever I was able to make a personal connection to their district or state (my sister went to school there...I vacation there...my mother lives there...you get the idea). Constituent stories that can bring to life an issue support or explain an advocate's more theoretical message carry similar weight.
In the meantime, there's a free concert at the Kennedy Center every day at 6pm - if I can ever get out of work in time. And if not, free concerts at lunchtime at the old Post Office, Sundays at 4pm at the Phillips Collection, and at 6pm at the NGA (Nationally Gallery of Art, remember?).
In the meantime, I've figured out the laundry and recycling where I live (fairly convenient). Recycling on the streets and in some work buildings seems impossible as a visitor so far - disappointing.
I found a notice on my apartment door today: "Owl Pest Prevention serviced your apartment today. You may notice increased activity for a few days..." Owl prevention? Pests? Not in my book - I'd love to see one, anywhere!
And the most frequent question I seemed to be asked in my neighborhood? "Do you know where Trader Joe's is?" Apparently it's the big tourist attraction (so much for Georgetown, Watergate, the great historic buildings, restaurants, parks, concert halls or the mall...), and I am getting spoiled having such a great food store so close by (2 blocks - how great is that?). And I can pick up The Onion newspaper free from the boxes on the street.
Next task: getting comfortable shoes. I've walked home every day in this strangely warm weather (3 miles) and between the concrete, brick and marble (in the House and Senate buildings), my shins are still aching!
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