The Congressional Experience

Abstract

This second edition of The Congressional Experience has been revised and updated to cover events that have occurred over the past six years, such as Congressman David Prices own defeat in 1994 and his comeback in 1996, the waxing and waning of the Gingrich revolution, and the high and low points of the Clinton presidency. In this book, Congressman Price proves he is uniquely qualified to guide us through the labyrinth of rules, roles, and representatives that is Congress, and to show us how the institution can and does solve some of the most pressing social problems on the national political agenda today. Price combines an engaging, enlightening narrative with photos, figures, maps, and tables to tell the story of his odyssey from the ivory tower of Duke University to the citadel of Capitol Hill. Along the way, we get a clear sense of the challenges, disappointments, elation, and deep concerns implicit in serving as a member of Congressespecially the kind of member David Price has chosen to be. Everyone blames Congress; no one explains it. But, in this second edition of The Congressional Experience, Congressman David Price proves he is uniquely qualified to guide us through the labyrinth of rules, roles, and representatives that is Congress, and to show us how the institution solves some of the most pressing social problems on the national political agenda today. Price combines an engaging, enlightening narrative with photos, figures, maps, and tables to tell the story of his odyssey from the ivory tower of Duke University to the citadel of Capitol Hill. This second edition of The Congressional Experience has been revised and updated to cover events that have occurred over the past six years, such as Congressman David Prices own defeat in 1994 and his comeback in 1996, the waxing and waning of the Gingrich revolution, and the high and low points of the Clinton presidency. In an election year filled with name-calling, teeth-gnashing, and Congress-bashing, it is refreshing to hear Price discuss what it means to simultaneously serve his constituency, his country, and his strong personal convictions about good government. As students of the political process, we are instructed in campaign strategy and finance, the advantages and disadvantages of incumbency, how to get a legislative project off the ground, the intricate House committee and subcommittee system, the tortuous route a bill must travel to become law, and the strong role of parties in Congress. As voters and constituents, we are treated to firsthand accounts of election campaigns fraught with negative ads, town meetings on Medicare, fierce budget battles on the floor of the House, and persistent efforts on behalf of individual North Carolinians. As citizen-philosophers, we are drawn into an extended consideration of the complex interrelationships among politics, religion, and ethics. In this context, Congressman David Price looks at a variety of issues through an introspective lens of moral concern. Price shares invaluable insights into debates on such topics as campaign finance reform, congressional term limits, and controlling the federal deficit. At the same time, he imparts a personal glimpse into life on the Hill and its impacts on family, friends, and constituents.