2023-24 Congressional Training Program Schedule
Congressional Training Program schedule for the 118th Congress, covering all the essential aspects of Congressional oversight and investigations
We’re excited to share the schedule with you for our Congressional Training Program for the 118th Congress. This curriculum covers all the essential aspects of Congressional oversight and investigations.
Sessions are open for RSVP typically two weeks prior to the event.
2023 Schedule
January 13, 2023
Oversight and Investigations: What it Means and How to Make it Work
An introduction to oversight, this session covers the constitutional basis for congressional oversight, how oversight is an essential part of legislating, and how to get started.
February 10, 2023
Making the Most of Your Resources: Working with CRS
How to use the knowledge and resources of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Congress’s shared research and analysis division, to boost your oversight and accountability efforts.
March 17, 2023
Making the Most of Your Resources: Working with GAO
How to improve your oversight by calling on the experts and expertise of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent, nonpartisan agency that supports Congress.
April 14, 2023
Making the Most of Your Resources: Working with Inspectors General
Inspectors general (IGs) are independent watchdogs within federal agencies and are essential to a well-functioning federal government. They’re also great allies for your oversight work. Find out more about IGs, what they do, and how to leverage their expertise and mission for your oversight work.
May 12, 2023
How to: Write a Request Letter
Correspondence from congressional offices asking for records or interviews are the building blocks of oversight. Learn how to write good request letters—and how to get them answered.
June 9, 2023
How to: Plan a Hearing
Hearings can be dramatic, high-profile events that drive change—or frustrating and pointless wastes of time. Learn how to make oversight hearings sharper, more efficient, and more effective.
September 22, 2023
Working with Whistleblowers on Oversight & Investigations
Whistleblowers are vital information sources for congressional investigations, and they often risk major injury for coming forward: career implosion, retaliation, doxxing, online harassment, and worse. Learn how to work more safely and effectively with whistleblowers to advance your oversight efforts.
October 13, 2023
Issue Focus: Overseeing Agency Transparency (Cancelled)
Trust fluctuates but where there's transparency there is integrity, and meaningful oversight. Learn the ins and outs of holding federal agencies accountable and transparent.
November 3, 2023
Issue Focus: Making the Most of Your Resources: Databases and Other Sources
Sometimes the information you need is just a few clicks away—if you only knew where to click. Learn about federal contracting databases and other tools to get the data you’re looking for quickly.
2024 Schedule
February 2, 2024
Working with the Media on Oversight & Investigations
The media can bring attention and public outrage to your investigation. They can also ignore it. Learn how to work effectively with the news media during and after your investigation.
March 15, 2024
How to: Conduct Oversight from a Minority Office
Trying to get answers when you don’t have a gavel can be hard. While "hard" formal investigative powers — such as subpoenas, depositions, hearings, and contempt proceedings may not be available — they are not the only tools at your disposal. Learn how to get creative with new partners and new approaches.
April 5, 2024
Better Prevention of Waste and Fraud in Emergency Spending: Lessons Learned from Pandemic Programs
Delve into the lessons learned from overseeing COVID spending, including the monitoring the allocation and utilization of funds, and the current state of spending oversight at the federal level. Understand the challenges faced, successful strategies employed, and the ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in federal spending practices. Hear from former government officials who directly managed spending oversight efforts.
May 31, 2024
How to: Conduct Oversight from a Personal Office
Trying to get answers when you don’t have a gavel can be hard. While "hard" formal investigative powers — such as subpoenas, depositions, hearings, and contempt proceedings may not be available — they are not the only tools at your disposal. Learn how to get creative with new partners and new approaches.
June 21, 2024
Issue Focus: Finding Waste at Your Agency
Federal misspending costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year—it’s an issue nearly every member (and voter) can appreciate. Learn how to spot potentially wasteful spending, get the facts, and call it out.
September 13, 2024
Working with Agency & Industry Counsel on Oversight & Investigations
The relationship between investigators and the subject of their scrutiny can be fraught and tense. But in some cases, they can help your effort. Learn how—and when—to work cooperatively with investigative subjects to achieve your goals.
October 18, 2024
Understanding Agency Objections: From Deliberative Process to Legislative Purpose
Agencies can give many excuses for declining to cooperate with a congressional request. Which are valid and which aren’t? Learn when to listen and when to push back—and get the information your investigation needs.
November 15, 2024
Don’t be a Lame Duck – Prep Now for the 119th Congress
With the election upon us, you may be losing a gavel or gaining a gavel. Learn tips and tricks on how to use the lame duck session to develop your oversight agenda to ensure you're prepared to hit the ground running come January.
