congress Archives
Vanderbilt expert on what to expect when you’re expecting a government shutdown
Dec. 7, 2017—Congress has given itself until Dec. 22 to produce a new budget, but Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, says that's not a guarantee that a deal will be made. Here's what he's going to be watching for.
Center for Effective Lawmaking to premier in Washington; news conference is Sept. 26
Sep. 6, 2017—The new Center for Effective Lawmaking, which studies the causes and consequences of the legislative effectiveness of members of Congress, will be introduced in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The center is a joint effort by the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.
2017 omnibus spending bill reaffirms Congress’ commitment to research
May. 10, 2017—Congress has reaffirmed the partnership between the federal government and American research universities by enacting a bipartisan appropriations spending package for fiscal year 2017 that preserves and increases funding for key federal research agencies—including a $2 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health.
Curious what Congress will do? PredictGov has a pretty good idea
Apr. 7, 2017—PredictGov pulls from decades of congressional data plus hundreds of variables, including the bill’s sponsor, amendments, economic trends and political shifts.
Make note of congressional lobbying disclosure requirements and gift, meal and travel restrictions
Feb. 1, 2017—With the start of the 115th Congress, Vanderbilt's Office of Federal Relations wishes to remind the university community of the current regulations regarding federal lobbying disclosure reports as well as congressional restrictions on gifts, meals and travel.
Congressional caucus briefed on health disparities among boys and men
May. 26, 2016—Vanderbilt professor Derek Griffith spoke at a recent Washington forum on the health of men and boys sponsored by two congressmen and the American Psychological Association.
Congress in danger of losing relevancy as presidents work around it
Jan. 28, 2016—By obstructing most legislation President Obama sends its way, Congress has weakened rather than exercised its power, says a Vanderbilt University political expert.
Why politicians won’t reach across the aisle
Jan. 11, 2016—Bad feelings about each other rather than competing ideologies keep Republicans and Democrats from encouraging their representatives to compromise and get things done, say the authors of a new book about why Washington won’t work.
Wiseman book on legislative effectiveness wins award
Jun. 15, 2015—The American Political Science Association announced it will award a prestigious honor to a book on Congress co-written by Vanderbilt's Alan Wiseman.
Vanderbilt expert: Corker taking judicious approach toward Iran
Apr. 8, 2015—Media Note: Vanderbilt has a 24/7 TV and radio studio. The studio is free for Vanderbilt experts, other than reserving fiber time. More information » U.S. Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee is working to protect congressional prerogative on any nuclear agreement with Iran while avoiding the grandstanding tactics of some of his Senate colleagues, a...
New website, upcoming book offer effectiveness scores for members of Congress
Oct. 14, 2014—A measure of the legislative effectiveness of almost any member of the U.S. House of Representatives is easily available with the launch of a new website and upcoming book co-authored by Vanderbilt political scientist Alan Wiseman.
Restructuring congressional oversight would bring more influence to Congress
Apr. 24, 2014—When Congress gets too many hands on an issue, its influence actually decreases, researchers from the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions at Vanderbilt University found.