Dynamics of the Congressional Office

Monday, May 10– by  Saoud Al-Shoaili (Oman)

I am a member of a team of six from the Arab Gulf region participating in the legislative fellowship April, 28- May 29 2010. After an orientation week including meetings with legacy international staff, former congressmen, DOS, DOL and others fellows, we finally started our fellowship last Tuesday, May 5th 2010. During the orientation, I understood the legislative structure of the US, and in particular how a law is formed and finally constituted. Furthermore, I learned the relation between the three branches of the US government system.

At the congress, we are all attached to a congressman’s office; working with members of staff. At the office of Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Il), I understood the roles of the key members of staff and the way they help the congressman in his daily work. The Chief of Staff has explained to me the dynamic of the work at the office. I was also introduced to the different Internet sites that contain information and resources about the legislative issues in US. In general, I found the staff to be supportive and with high willingness to share their knowledge and experience.

I got the chance to attend a hearing chaired by the congressman. The issue discussed in the hearing session is close to a project we currently conducting in the office at the Research Council, Oman. The hearing was highly beneficial, new experience and skill to me. I am thinking to transfer some of its components and apply them in our project back at the home office. As a starting and sharing my experience in the strategic planning, I was tasked to draft a brief about the drivers that are most likely to shape the future of the biotechnology industry. This was completed and submitted to the Chief of Staff in the office.

In addition to be attached to a congressman, we are also mentored by a previous congressman who share with us his experience in the congress office and try to help in different aspects making the fellowship more beneficial.

In parallel to the above-mentioned professional experience, I continuously learn new things as a result to the exposure to a new and multicultural environment.

I look forward to the coming days so I can gain more professional and personal skills.