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 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)

An education lobbyist reviews trends in governmental relations by higher education organizations since the 1960s, notes problems during the Reagan administration, the tendency toward decentralization and fragmentation of the higher education message, and current needs for leadership among higher education interests. (MLW)

According to members of Congress, college chief executive officers possess an enormous amount of prestige and clout they could utilize to get what they need from lawmakers--be it dollars, new programs, or legislative support. This year's concerns include access, college costs, and research funding. (MLW)