American Educational Research Association's (AERA) lobbyist in Washington promotes educational research as a positive resource for educators. He acts to influence governmental policies which affect research. AERA represents a diversified membership by supporting a broad portfolio of government investments in educational research. AERA never takes…

The Democrats have their best chance in 10 years to make major gains in the congressional elections on November 7, 2006 while Republicans are striving to retain control of both the House and the Senate. For Republicans to lose control of both houses of the legislature, the Democrats need net gains of 15 House seats and six Senate seats. This…

The next decade will see the workload of Congress increase as its power weakens. The result may be more delay and confusion in the decision-making process. (RM)

Barack Obama agreed to answer a series of questions submitted via e-mail to his campaign. This article presents excerpts of "The Chronicle"'s exchange with the senator and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, in which he discussed his policy suggestions for student aid and college access; the appropriate role of the federal…

While the United States Senate debates the merits of televising its proceedings, it might consider as a model the House of Representatives, which has televised floor activities since 1979 with no dramatic changes in those activities or in members' behavior. The House system consists of inconspicuously placed cameras and microphones operated by…

The contributions of Senator J. William Fulbright to public policy in the United States are examined, focusing on a lifetime of public service and the global view that he brought to American policy formation. Cultural tolerance and international cooperation are seen as the major themes dominating his public life. Excerpts of personal comments of a…

Analyzes the l983 Supreme Court decision on the legislative veto. Concludes that early stories in the press exaggerated the importance of of the decision and misinterpreted its impact. (FL)

Proposes that public service be made a career in the full sense of the term and suggests changes in the selection of city, county, state, and federal officials and legislators to help bring about the development of politics as a professional career. (SK)

Debates over Congressional involvement in foreign military engagements trace back to America's founding. However, a basic point still remains unresolved: does Congress have the Constitutional right to constrain presidents from unilaterally exercising force abroad? If so, is directly adhering to the Constitution a government responsibility? In…

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the late 1980s appeared to pursue its own agenda of broadcast deregulation, notwithstanding congressional pressures. The apparent power shift is evident in a case study of the interactions between Congress and the FCC on the subject of children's television. In the early 1970s, the FCC tended to…

Senator Robert Dole comments on his amendment to Goals 2000 that would require a study of the act's impact on students with disabilities, the obligations of state and local authorities to rebuild schools, and school choice. Dole concludes with his belief that Congress has a responsibility to help fund the high costs of educating physically and…

Higher education has two main needs of Congress: the need for student aid and the need for increased and sustained scientific research support. The problem is that ever-more-aggressive competition for earmarked funds does not necessarily generate additional resources for institutions to share. (MLW)

Suggestions for college presidents when they visit Congress include get to know congressmen before asking them for something; be considerate of a representative's time; know the legislative interests of those visited; be prepared to assist congressional member needs; get to know the staff; work with education associations; etc. (MLW)

Suggestions to college administrators include realize that the essential lubricant of politics on Capitol Hill is relations of trust, confidence, and familiarity; bring solutions as well as problems to legislators; talk to members on the committee handling the issue of concern; help friends get reelected. (MLW)

Congressional concerns on health legislation and on priorities for medical education are described. AIDS, health insurance, and training programs are discussed. (MLW)