Congressional Member Office Operations

Publication Date: December 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Abstract:

Although Member personal congressional offices vary in structure, they all share seven common functions: office management, legislation, projects, casework, mail, press and public relations, and scheduling and reception.

The office management function comprises staff recruitment and pay, coordination between district and state offices and the Member's Washington, DC, office, the assignment and flow of work through the office, and the efficient and innovative use of space and equipment. By and large these responsibilities fall upon the administrative assistant (AA), frequently now called chief of staff, and the office manager or titular equivalent. The key ingredients of effective management are preparation, flexibility, communication, and coordination.

Legislative staff perform numerous tasks associated with preparing Members to fulfill their legislative duties. These involve finding and providing information, research, and analysis, and assisting in devising strategies for accomplishing legislative goals.

Projects and casework, which flow from request mail or visits, require substantial staff time, and consist primarily of assisting local governments, public or private organizations, and individuals in their transactions with federal agencies.

Mail -- its receipt, processing, and responses -- is a major draw on staff time. It is also a task that Members value highly in their representational role as intervener between constituents and the national government. There are basically three types of mail: legislative mail, which seeks Members' views and standing on proposals and issues facing the nation; request mail, which calls upon Members for assistance in dealing with the federal government; and special mail, which is judged of the utmost importance and usually commands the attention of the Member or the AA.

Members employ staff knowledgeable about the press, and skilled in dealing with it and with the public relations aspects of serving in the national legislature. Press staff help to inform both Members and the representatives of the media.

Scheduling and reception duties encompass methods and techniques for juggling competing demands for the Member's time and the courteous reception of visitors to Member offices.