Inside Washington: How Power Works

Delve into the crucial role of congressional committees, where the real work of legislation happens away from public view. We examine the intense competition for committee assignments, the power of committee chairs, and the strategic use of hearings. Through detailed analysis of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we reveal how these 'mini-legislatures' control the fate of bills and shape national policy.

This episode explores the enormous influence of Washington's lobbying industry, centered on K Street, and how it shapes legislation before it even reaches Congress. We investigate the revolving door between government service and private sector lobbying, revealing how former staffers and politicians leverage their connections. Through case studies of major legislative victories, including the 1995 telecommunications bill and the 2017 tax reform, we demonstrate how lobbyists orchestrate successful influence campaigns.

This episode explores the enormous influence of Washington's lobbying industry, centered on K Street, and how it shapes legislation before it even reaches Congress. We investigate the revolving door between government service and private sector lobbying, revealing how former staffers and politicians leverage their connections. Through case studies of major legislative victories, including the 1995 telecommunications bill and the 2017 tax reform, we demonstrate how lobbyists orchestrate successful influence campaigns.