The Congressional Experience

Congressman David Price proves he is uniquely qualified to guide us through the labyrinth of rules, roles, and representatives that is Congress. This third edition is thoroughly updated to cover developments over the past several years - the Bush presidency, consolidated Republican control of the White House and Congress, the plunge from budget surpluses to record deficits, and the "Bush revolution" in foreign policy. A new chapter has also been on defense and foreign affairs, emphasizing the author's own work on Middle East policy and Congress' handling of the war in Iraq. The reader gets a clear sense of the challenges, disappointments, elation, and deep concerns implicit in serving as a member of Congress-especially the kind of member David Price has chosen to be.

Table of Contents:
Contents List of Figures and Tables,Preface to the First Edition,Preface to the Second Edition,Preface to the Third Edition, 1. Introduction 2. Getting Elected * The First Campaign * Getting Reelected * The Third Campaign 3. Defeat and Return * The Revolution Hits Home * Comeback * Campaigning in Clintons Shadow, 1998 * The 20 and 22 Campaigns * Campaign Reform 4. Getting Adjusted * Getting Started * Setting Up Shop * Family and Career 5. Finding a Niche * Banking, Science, and Small Business * Pursuing Appropriations * Appropriations Regained * Informal Groups and Caucuses 6. Policy Entrepreneurship * The Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act * Amending the Housing Bill * Education and Training Initiatives * Appropriations Initiatives * The EPA Building Saga 7. Budget Politics * From Reaganomics to Read My Lips * Budget Summitry, 1990 * The 1993 Budget Battle * The 1997 Agreement and Beyond * The Great Reversal 8. Parties and Partisanship * Parties and Elections * Organizing the House * The Party Network * The Limits of Partisanship 9. Foreign Policy and Defense * Parliament to Parliament * Promoting Middle East Peace * The Use of Force 10. Serving the District * Keeping in Touch * Casework and Grants * Appropriations 11. Religion and Politics * Religious Agendas * The Two Realms 12. Ethics Beyond the Rule Book * Ethics and Policy * What Sort of Member Shall I Be? * Legislative Structures and Legislative Ethics 13. Concluding Reflections * Reform Agendas * Governance, Trust, and Citizenship

About the Author :
David E Price