Tag: Executive Branch

The new year welcomed the Brookings’s Legis Congressional Fellows—Class of 2014. Participants in the Legis Fellows program acquire an in-depth understanding of the legislative process that helps their agency or company interact more effectively with Congress, gain an insider’s knowledge of congressional affairs and public policy, and build their resume with a unique fellowship. Fellows chose a seven-month fellowship or a twelve-month fellowship to serve in a wide variety of congressional and committee offices.

“Though threads of policy thought is more or less consistent, the spin of politics that swirl around policy can … well … leave one’s mind spinning. After a year of up-close observation and involvement Brookings Legislative Fellows will never read, blogs, journals, news or watch cable public affairs (read entertainment) content the same way again. Their understanding and insights will be levels above their peers.”

– Bob Carr, Former Congressman (D-MI); Senior Advisor, Brookings Executive Education

On January 2, Legis Fellows from federal government agencies such as Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of State, and several others gathered to begin their eight day orientation program. The intensive orientation was led by experts at the Brookings Institution and on Capitol Hill.

“Every year I look forward to the start of the new class and finding out their unique identity. Each year, each class presents new ideas and is truly distinct.”

– Ian Dubin, Director, Legis Fellows, Brookings Executive Education

Within 10 days of orientation completing nearly 100% of the Legis Fellows were placed in congressional and committee offices. Brookings Legis Fellows are currently serving in the following offices:

• Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
• Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA17)
• Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)
• Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX12)
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
• Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
• Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)
• Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA22)
• Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA22)
• Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL8)
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Majority)
• Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
• Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)
• Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO1)
• Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA3)
• Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
• Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX10)
• Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY13)
• Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
• Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY13)
• Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL4)
• Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)
• Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (Maj)
• Senate Budget Committee (Maj)
• Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA52)
• Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD)
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
• Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA5)
• Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)

“The opportunity to witness the adaptation of participants from the Executive branch of the government to the Legislative branch is remarkable and exciting. Fellows become ingrained in the culture of this once unfamiliar system.  At the end of their year on the Hill they leave the institution with a fundamental understanding of Congress and how to effectively navigate it in the future; that is truly the unique value of the fellowship.”

– Trevor Corning, Legis Program Manager

Tiffany Win, External Relations Coordinator of Admissions and Registrar for Brookings Executive Education, recently attended the BEE course, Inside the Executive Branch.

This insider’s guide to the Executive Branch focuses on the many dimensions of executive power—from the White House to independent agencies—to help position an organization to participate in the policy conversations that matter. Policy making on Capitol Hill is only one part of the equation. Congress regularly enacts vague legislation, which leaves addressing policy details to the discretion of Executive Branch agencies.

Rules, regulations, Executive Orders, and a variety of other mechanisms have a significant impact on an organization’s bottom line, be it public or private. Another key element of the policy process is the agenda set by the White House, whether formally through the budget or informally via the bully pulpit.

Tiffany Win

Here’s what Tiffany had to say about Inside the Executive Branch:

Who was your favorite speaker?
Sally Katzen.

Sally Katzen is the Former Deputy Director for Management within the Office of Management and Budget and the former Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,  Executive Office of the President, the White House. Katzen is currently a Senior Advisor for the Podesta Group.  Katzen spoke on “Deciding US Regulatory Policy:    The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Executive Office of the President (OIRA).”

Given my non-public administration background Sally Katzen made the material accessible. She understood that with an audience like this there would be a variety of backgrounds and she took that into consideration as she explained regulatory affairs. Katzen’s examples were interesting and nuanced; she gave full consideration to her audience of federal agency and private sector employees. The examples were perfect for demonstrating strategic thinking and problem solving; I left understanding the rationale behind regulatory policy. 

What was the element of greatest value to you in this course?

The speaker bureau-style presentation and how the speakers refer to each other’s presentations. Learning from the speakers was informative. I gained a better picture of the full system. I have a better understanding of the executive branch, the hierarchies and the internal relationships.

Additionally, connecting with my fellow participants was a great experience. The class was full of interesting and unique people. I gained a lot from understanding who they are, what they do and the diversity that comes with those pieces. This knowledge helps my professional expertise and aids me in understanding our participants on a personal level. 

Lastly, I would say I have a greater confidence when talking about policy, federal agencies and offices, and understanding all the interlocking roles which is a huge benefit when working in D.C. both professionally and personally. 

Brookings Executive Education is looking forward to future policy courses including Global Challenges, Threats, and Opportunities: U.S. Perspective scheduled for December 3-4, 2013 .

A highlight in 2014 will include Policy Entrepreneurship: A Fundamental Business Competency. This immersion class brings Washington to life, providing students with an awareness of how and why federal processes work. Students will learn about where, when, and how to engage in critical conversations with policymakers and they will see how and why policy entrepreneurship is an essential competency for today’s business leaders.

photo credit: Official White House Photo, Pete Souza