Congressional Caucuses Can Help Our Cause

Mozingo, Leslie, Parks & Recreation

FRESHMAN MEMBERS OF CONGRESS often draw parallels to the feeling of the first few weeks and months in D.C. to how they felt when they walked into their first high school class or at tended freshman orientation for college. Perplexed by the complicated systems of the Hill and overwhelmed by the aura of senior members, these novel Representatives and Senators diligently work to stay afloat in their new environment.

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One of the most complex aspects of the legislative process for the "frosh" to learn about is Congressional Member Organizations, commonly known as caucuses. Congressional Caucuses exist as the "clubs" of Congress and extend from one legislative session to the next. Although caucuses do not hold any binding force over Members of Congress or the Committee process, they can play a vital role in a Member's work in Congress. More importantly to organizations like NRPA, Congressional Caucuses can play an instrumental role in drawing attention to an issue, advancing a legislative measure through committee, or helping to garner …

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Publication information: Article title: Congressional Caucuses Can Help Our Cause. Contributors: Mozingo, Leslie - Author. Magazine title: Parks & Recreation. Volume: 47. Issue: 8 Publication date: August 2012. Page number: 25+. © 2009 National Recreation and Park Association. COPYRIGHT 2012 Gale Group.

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