Copyright 2006 by Ironsclad Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved MARCH 29, 2006 The Congressional Process J. Jeffrey Irons Copyright © 2005 Raytheon Company. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2006 by Ironsclad Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved 2 The Congressional Customer Members of Congress  US House of Representatives 435 Members Two-year terms  US Senate 100 Members Six-year terms Congressional Staff  Professional Staff Members Work on one committee Subject matter experts Often have military background Support Chairman (majority) or Ranking Member (minority)  Personal Staff Work for one Member Handle a multitude of issues

Copyright 2006 by Ironsclad Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved 3 Formation of the Defense Bill AUTHORIZATION Description of congressional intent, authority to proceed on a program, restrictions on use of funds, statements of policy, etc. APPROPRIATIONS Provides amount of funding to expend on a program. House and Senate Examine President’s Request Individually Reconcile Differences In Conference Conference Bill is sent to President who signs it into Law President Submits Request to Congress on First Monday in February The Conference Bill is Passed in the House and Senate

Copyright 2006 by Ironsclad Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved 4 OCT NOV DEC BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT CONGRESS CONVENES PRESIDENT SUBMITS BUDGET HBC SBC F F F F CONF RES BUDGET PROCESS F F F F CONF BILL F F F F CONF BILL APPROPRIATIONS BILL AUTHORIZATION BILL SUBCMTE Congressional Timeline SECDEF, CJCS, Customer Testimony F Floor Vote CONF CONFERENCE PRESIDENT

Copyright 2006 by Ironsclad Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved 5 Keys to Congressional Support Program Performance  Staff constantly monitor cost, issue and performance from various sources (customer, competitors, press, etc.) Service Support  Congress looks for support from customer; if they don’t see it, they’re inclined to cut funding  Congress unlikely to support congressional plus-up if customer does not support  Presence on an Unfunded Requirements List is best indicator of strong customer support Strong Communication  Congressional customer hates to be surprised  Information (good and bad) travels to Congress very quickly – it’s in our best interest to provide information proactively and regularly Broad Base of Support  The more Members asking to support a program or add to it, the greater the chance of success