Office Assignments

"Working in Congress shows that democracy not only lives but prospers. It may be messy, one's side may sometimes (or often) lose, but we have a political system in which ideas matter and the public is usually heard."
_{David Leal, Political Scientist 1998-99}

Toward the end of the the orientation period in November, Fellows begin securing assignments by interviewing for positions with the offices and committees of their choice.

They are assisted in their search by the fellowship staff who provide a variety of reference materials and program resources. Fellows also receive free copies of Politics in America and yearlong subscriptions to CQ Weekly, courtesy of Congressional Quarterly, Inc.

INTERVIEWS
Interviews are an important aspect of the fellowship experience. They encourage Fellows to reflect critically on their goals and objectives and provide them with the opportunity to become acquainted with many Members of Congress and their staffs. Through interviews, Fellows get their first exposure to the different dynamics, personalities and styles on "the Hill."

Although it's unnecessary to prepare for assignments in advance, it helps to have a one-page resume upon arrival in Washington. Also, individuals may be asked to submit a short writing sample. In case Fellows would like to do some background reading on Congress, we have compiled a list of suggested books, many of them written by friends and former Fellows of the program.

ASSIGNMENTS
Because of the Program's reputation of excellence, the Fellows' arrival each fall is welcomed on Capitol Hill. Frequently, in fact, Fellows receive several offers. This enables them to choose the offices best suited to their individual needs and interests. By the first week in January, all Fellows are typically at work with a Member or Committee of their choice. Fellows are responsible for negotiating the nature of their responsibilities prior to accepting an office assignment.

After four months, around mid-April, Fellows are encouraged to switch chambers. This affords each Fellow an opportunity to observe first-hand the differences in character and procedures between the House and the Senate. Fellows remain in their second assignments until the conclusion of the fellowship in mid-August.

LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Fellows serve as full-time legislative assistants on personal or committee staffs of members in the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. Fellows are required to assume a combination of general responsibilities and special assignments, according to the needs of the office and their areas of expertise and interest.

Administrative duties. Up to 25% of a Fellow's time may be spent on administrative support as part of an office's regular rotation of duties. These might include responding to constituent inquiries, drafting responses to constituent mail, and meeting with constituents and advocate groups regarding assigned issues.

Policy duties. Fellows may be asked to work independently and with key staff on a number of projects. These might include researching and understanding assigned policy issues; developing policy positions, legislation, or recommendations regarding possible legislative and non-legislative issues; drafting testimony, floor statements, speeches, and press pieces; preparing for floor debate on bills and tracking appropriations corresponding to assigned issue areas; periodically briefing key staff and Member on status of bills; making recommendations on whether Member should co-sponsor bills introduced by other Members in assigned issue areas; assisting in building coalitions to support Member's bills in assigned issue areas; coordinating with legislative staff in the district; and assisting as needed on committee work.