From Inspiration to Legislation: How an Idea Becomes a Bill

Providing an inside view of policy initiation and policy making, this book, written by a former Congressional staff member, offers readers a first-hand account of policy formation from preliminary research to coalition-building, writing the bill, and working with committees to move the bill to the floor. A straightforward, engaging presentation follows the Safe Havens Support Act from the initial idea that inspired the bill, through its crafting and eventual passage as part of larger social services bills—and examines the ground-level challenges of a new member of congress developing a legislative agenda. For individuals who want to see how Republicans and Democrats can work together, and how a policy idea becomes a legislative reality.