Under the Iron Dome

Paul S. Herrnson is Professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut.Colton C. Campbell is Professor and Associate Dean of Academics at the National War College.David A. Dulio is Director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Professor of Political Science at Oakland University.

Praise for Under the Iron Dome"Under the Iron Dome is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how Congress really works. Featuring chapters by current and former members, staffers, and scholars who worked for Congress, the book presents insights only insiders can offer. From elections and constituent relations to party leadership and the battles over health care policy and impeachments, the coverage is balanced and accurate. The authors provide frank assessments of the effects of partisan polarization and campaign fundraising on legislators’ abilities to represent their districts and enact good public policy. They highlight Congress’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as its essential role in American politics."--Former Rep. John Shimkus, (R-IL)"As a former member of Congress, I’ve seen up close how the institution works and how difficult it is to make the bold, sweeping change we need. This volume takes the reader inside the offices and committee rooms by featuring members, staffers, and former fellows who relay their experiences with clarity and insight."--Former Rep. Patrick E. Murphy, (D-FL)"This is an exquisite account of Congress from the inside by its members and staffers. It is all there: the rise of women, the big enactment drives, the powerful Speakership, the individual members aiming desperately to make a difference, the unruly budgetary process, the nonstop partisan messaging. Don’t miss Dan Lipinski’s general size-up of the institution today or David Price’s casework anecdotes."--David R. Mayhew, Yale University (Emeritus)"Under the Iron Dome adds a unique and much-needed look at the activities and professional lives of those people that make the House and Senate run—Congressional staffers. Virtually all of the attention in the media and the scholarly political science literature focuses on elected officials, but, as is often said, the elected official is only as good as the staff that backs them up. This collection puts the perspectives of elected officials together with those from current and former staffers from both political parties, providing an unparalleled inside view of the workings of the United States Congress."--Paula D. McClain, Duke University

• Contributors Tables, Figures and Charts Introduction : Looking at Congress from the Inside OutColton C. Campbell, David A. Dulio and Paul S. Herrnson Chapter 1: Campaigning for Congress Kelly D. Patterson and J. ToscanoChapter 2: Women in Congress and Changing Power Dynamics Kelly DittmarChapter 3: Changing the Face of Workforce Diversity on Capitol HillMenna Demessie Chapter 4: Serving the DistrictDavid E. Price Chapter 5: The Power of the House MajorityDon DeArmon and Patricia WoodsChapter 6: The Challenges to Senate Party LeadershipRoy E. Brownell II Chapter 7: The Genesis of a BillGreg McCarthyChapter 8: The Politics and Pitfalls of the Congressional Budget Process Laura BlessingChapter 9: The Battle over Health CareAlex GarlickChapter 10: Impeachment and the Constitutional Remedy of Last Resort Alan I. BaronChapter 11: Reflections on Representation, Policymaking, Partisanship and other Challenges Facing CongressDan Lipinski Conclusion: Lessons from Under the Iron DomePaul S. Herrnson, David A. Dulio and Colton C. Campbell