The Program for Newly-Elected Members of Congress is a dynamic, integrated, non-partisan orientation program for incoming U.S. Representatives. Intended as an essential complement to the orientation offered by the U.S. House leadership, this Program offers invaluable resources for new Members of Congress looking to maximize their impact as legislators during their first days and months of service.

 

 

 

Founded in 1972 and hosted every two years by Harvard University's Institute of Politics, the Program for Newly-Elected Members of Congress is unlike any other training program for new legislators. It provides intensive seminars on major public policy issues such as foreign policy, health care and the Federal budget, led by prominent scholars and practitioners representing viewpoints from across the political spectrum. It also offers an unmatched set of workshops to help new Representatives make the most of their first weeks and months on Capitol Hill. These workshops focus on the "how" of getting things done in Washington, and are led by current and former senior officials from Congress, the White House, cabinet departments, regulatory agencies, and the national media.

Program topics generally include:

• White House/Congressional Relations
• Congress and the Media
• Inside Congress
• The Federal Budget
• Foreign Policy
• Ethics
• Appropriations

Presenters and speakers come from the highest echelons of public life. Past speakers include:

• Larry Summers, President of Harvard University
• Rahm Emmanuel, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• David McCullough, Author, John Adams and Truman
• George Will, Author and Syndicated Columnist
• David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States
• Stanley Collender, Author, The Guide to the Federal Budget: Fiscal 2000
• Anne Northup, Member, U.S. House of Representatives
• Graham Allison, Douglas Dillon Professor of Government and Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government
• David Pryor, Former United States Senator (D-AR); Former Director, Institute of Politics, John F. Kennedy School of Government
• Stuart Butler, Vice President for Domestic and Economic Policy, The Heritage Foundation; Fellow, Institute of Politics (Fall 2002)
• Chris Cox, Special Assistant to the President for legislative affairs

The Program for Newly-Elected Members of Congress introduces new legislators to the skills mastered by high-level officials who have met the challenges of governing and getting things done in Washington. It gives new Members access to the most respected thinkers and practitioners in the public policy arena. And it affords new Representatives a priceless opportunity to become acquainted with their colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, in a relaxed setting away from the pressures of Capitol Hill.

Attendance at this program is by invitation only, and program proceedings are off the record and closed to the press. Travel and lodging expenses for new Members and their spouses are paid by the Institute of Politics.

The Institute of Politics was created as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, to inspire undergraduate students to enter careers in politics and public service, and to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the academic community and the political world.

For more information about the Program for Newly-Elected Members of Congress or the Institute of Politics, please contact Christian Flynn.

Additional Resources

Newly-Elected Members of Congress to Attend Harvard Congressional Issues Conference
November 27, 2006
2006 Press Release
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