The Dance of Legislation: An Insider's Account of the Workings of the United States Senate

by Eric Redman, Richard E. Neustadt

Overview

The Dance of Legislation has long been considered a classic description of the legislative process. In it, Eric Redman draws on his two years as a member of Senator Warren Magnuson’s staff to trace the drafting and passing of a piece of legislation — S.4106, the National Health Service Bill — with all the maneuvers, plots, counterplots, frustrations, triumphs, and sheer work and dedication involved. He provides a vivid picture of the bureaucratic infighting, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies necessary to make something happen on Capitol Hill. In a Postscript to the 2000 edition, Redman reflects on how that process has, and has not, changed in the thirty years since the book was first published.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780295980232
Publisher:	University of Washington Press
Publication date:	02/01/2001
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Eric Redman was a logger, longshoreman, Rhodes Scholar, and writing teacher, as well as a legislative aide. Today he is a Seattle attorney specializing in public policy and energy law. Richard E. Neustadt is Douglas Dillon Professor of Government emeritus, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the 2001 Edition

Foreword to the Original Edition

Preface

1) First Stirrings

2) Beginner's Lessons

3) Getting Serious

4) A Fresh Start

5) S.4106: Born or Stillborn?

6) A Senate Hearing

7) Decision in the Senate

8) Loose Ends

9) Interlude

10) Doctors in the House

11) A War of Nerves

12) A New Year's Resolution

Epilogue

Postscript to the 2001 Edition

List of Abbreviations

Index

What People are Saying About This

Harry McPherson

The Dance of Legislation reads like a suspense novel: will a much—needed program of medical care for the ghettos, and for isolated rural areas, make it through the Congressional maze? Eric Redman... makes us feel the drama of the democratic process— the comedy, the grief, the moments of despair and triumph which he experienced in the course of a year on Capitol Hill.

Editorial Reviews

"An outstanding book for undergraduates interested in politics."

Choice

An outstanding book for undergraduates interested in politics.

-- "Choice"

What Redman has written about the evolution of a health bill could be written about comparable constellations of personalities and pressures affecting an education or a housing or farm or tax bill. But few writers have actually produced a book that has such a useful blend of information, self-deprecatory humor, and keen rendering of the distinctive atmosphere of Congress.

-- "New York Times Book Review"

From the Publisher

What Redman has written about the evolution of a health bill could be written about comparable constellations of personalities and pressures affecting an education or a housing or farm or tax bill. But few writers have actually produced a book that has such a useful blend of information, self-deprecatory humor, and keen rendering of the distinctive atmosphere of Congress.

New York Times Book Review

Redman (a Seattle attorney) draws on his two years as a member of Senator Warren Magnuson's staff to trace the drafting and passing of the National Health Service Bill with all the maneuvers, plots, counterplots, frustrations, triumphs, work, and dedication involved. He describes the bureaucratic infighting, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies necessary to make something happen on Capitol Hill. In a new postcript, he reflects on how that process has and has not changed in the 30 years since the volume was first published. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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