APSA Task Force Memorandum: Congressional staffing diversity and retention

September 5, 2019
To:             The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress From:      Kathryn Pearson, Chair, University of Minnesota ; Casey Burgat, R Street Institute; Menna… Read More

Video: Behind the committee doors: The staffing traits and trends of Congress’ legislative deal-breakers

June 12, 2019
 Congressional committees are well-known bodies in Washington, D.C. If you are in politics—whether a member, staffer, scholar or… Read More

Congressional staff exit intention

May 13, 2019
There is increased attention on congressional staff in recent months — from the House forming the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, to members of Congress making headlines… Read More

New report: Who’s on the Hill?

March 18, 2019
On Capitol Hill, any issue area expertise in committee offices largely stems from the staffers who support each committees’ operations. After all, committee work is only one component of a member’s… Read More

Staff perspectives on the state of constituent correspondence in the U.S. Congress

December 19, 2018
Recent investigations provide some of the first examinations of the systemic flow of telephone, email, fax, and social media correspondence through Members’ offices. These investigations find little evidence… Read More

LegBranch conversations: An interview with Jaime Harrison

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December 5, 2018
In this edition of LegBranch conversations, Marian Currinder interviews Jaime Harrison about his new book, Climbing the Hill, co-authored with Amos Snead. Harrison and Snead, longtime staff members… Read More

New R Street policy paper: How young lawyers can help restore congressional capacity

October 17, 2018
Nearly eighty percent of Americans disapprove of the way Congress does its job. Much of the blame can be attributed to its failure to substantively address many of the policy… Read More

Staff have the skills to assist Congress, but they need more resources

October 9, 2018
By Jennifer L. Selin and Hanna K. Brant At a recent hearing before the House Committee on Rules, Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Representative John Sarbanes… Read More

Video: History of congressional staffing

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September 5, 2018
Congress needs staff to carry out the duties prescribed by the Constitution and demanded by the public. LegBranch.org’s Kevin Kosar discusses how from 1900 to 1990, Congress sporadically… Read More

Congress isn’t paying its interns enough

September 3, 2018
(Editor’s note: This piece originally appeared in the Washington Post on September 3, 2018.) By Barbara A. Trish Here’s an idea to ponder on Labor Day: Why… Read More