When Governor Mitch Daniels (Indiana) compared testifying before Congress to getting a root canal, he was being polite. Sitting vulnerably at a witness table under hot television lights while members of the House or Senate stare down at you from above is not just intimidating; it can wreck your career, your company, and your credibility if you say the wrong thing. As a practical guide to assist witnesses and their organizations in preparing and delivering Congressional testimony, this book is designed for use by anyone or any organization called upon to testify before a committee of Congress, and for those who are providing assistance in preparing the testimony and the witness. This book serves as a guide through the unique maze of the Congressional hearings process for virtually any witness or organization, including federal departments and agencies, the federal judiciary, members and staff of the legislative branch itself, associations, corporations, the military service branches, NGOs, private and voluntary organizations (PVOs), public interest entities, state and local governmental officials and institutions, and individuals who are chosen to appear as a witness before Congress for any reason on any topic. Similarly, in the world of academics and scholarship, this reference work can be helpful to scholars and writers in think-tanks and research organizations, as well as to faculty, researchers and students engaged in the study of law, business, government, politics, political science and the legislative processes of government. This book can also serve as a reliable reference source and helpful tool for law, lobbying, government relations, accounting, and other public policy-related service industry professionals who are involved with the Congressional hearings process on behalf of their clients', their customers' and their own public policy, legislative and government relations interests. Testifying Before Congress demystifies the Congressional hearings process, and assists witnesses and their organizations to be well-prepared when appearing before a Congressional committee to testify.
About the Author :
William N. LaForge is a retired attorney, lobbyist, university president and professor, and congressional staff member. His career has been a blend of government service, private sector law and government relations practice, and higher education. For more than forty years, he has been involved with law and federal public policy in all three branches of government. Currently, LaForge speaks to, and consults with, associations, corporations, and government agencies on the topics found in his book. University; a L.L.M., International and Comparative Law, from Georgetown University; and a J.D. from University of Mississippi School of Law.
Review :
Testifying before Congress isn't a fair fight, and there are few rules to protect you. Bill LaForge has packed years of experience, seeing congressional hearings done well and done very badly, into this practical book, Testifying Before Congress.
If you are a corporate leader summoned to testify before Congress and you want to survive what could be one of the most horrible, and dangerous, experiences of your career, you must read this extremely valuable book. If you are a lobbyist or government affairs professional advising a client who will be testifying before a congressional committee, you must give them this book before they dig whatever hole they are in even deeper.
If you want to make the fight fair, prepare yourself and read this book.
Charlie Cook, Editor and Publisher of The Cook Political Report, Political Analyst for the National Journal Group
Testifying before Congress is a critical opportunity to tell your organization's story, but to do it effectively, it pays to have the advice of an old pro. Bill LaForge's excellent how-to guide to the hearings process and preparation of witnesses is a "must-read" for any executive called to testify on Capitol Hill.
Susan Neely, President & CEO, American Beverage Association
Testifying Before Congress is a gold mine for anyone engaging in the congressional hearings process.
Richard E. Wiley, Managing Partner, Wiley Rein LLP
With Testifying Before Congress, Bill LaForge has provided an invaluable and comprehensive resource for law school faculty, students, and researchers interested in
gaining an in-depth understanding of how congressional committees organize hearings and how witnesses prepare for testimony.
Judith Areen, Paul Regis Dean Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus, Georgetown Law
Previous victims of the congressional hearing root canal will ask themselves, "Where was this invaluable book when I needed it?"
Mitch Daniels, Former Governor, Indiana
For anyone or any group delivering testimony to Congress, Bill LaForge's book should serve as the Bible for preparation and delivery of the message. It is a must for those who approach this sometimes intimidating experience.
David Pryor, Former U.S. Senator (D-AR), Dean of The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and Director of The Institute of Politics, Harvard University
Testifying Before Congress captures the magic formula for successful advocacy inside the Beltway. Bill LaForge provides a masterful road map to help you navigate the congressional testifying process and identifies every opportunity to make concise and compelling arguments to achieve your desired result.
Catherine Reheis-Boyd, President, Western States Petroleum Association
I wish I had this book before I testified in front of a Senate committee examining eye safety and computer use. I sat at a table with two academicians and peered at a group
of senators sitting above us-quite an intimidating experience. What you see on the evening news or C-SPAN doesn't reflect the reality of testifying before Congress. As physicians we were prepared with the facts but totally unprepared for dealing with the process. A must-have reference for associations or NGOs!
William L. Rich III, MD, FACS, Medical Director of Health Policy, American Academy of Ophthalmology
