The purpose of this publication is to inform the literacy field of the effect that recent political changes in the U.S. Congress could have on the literacy and adult basic education (ABE) fields, how the various legislative processes work, and how individuals in the literacy field can participate in the legislative process. The various steps in the traditional legislative reauthorization process are outlined along with the roles played by federal agency staff and Congressional staff at each step of the reauthorization process. Steps that adult literacy and ABE practitioners can take to become involved in the reauthorization process are also listed. A timeline of key dates in the history of the Adult Education Act (AEA) is presented along with an annotated bibliography of three resources for literacy policy. The outlook on public policy affecting adult education and adult literacy programs in the 104th Congress, President Clinton's "Middle Class Bill of Rights," and House and Senate Republican proposals regarding education and training are discussed. The text of Title III of the AEA is appended. (MN)