The Director
The Director of Congressional
and Legislative Affairs discharges the duties of the Secretary with
the authority and direct responsibility for programs associated with
legislative and congressional liaison activities. He serves as the Department's
principal liaison with Congressional Committees and individual Members
of Congress, and as the Department's congressional and legislative liaison
with the White House. He communicates the policies of the Department
and the viewpoints of the Secretary regarding Congressional issues,
and programs and matters of interest to the Department as requested
by Members of Congress. In addition, he supervises the coordination,
unification, and preparation of the Department's legislative programs,
and its presentation to the Office of Management and Budget, and maintains
a general oversight role in relation to congressional and legislative
activities of the various bureaus and offices.
The Deputy Directors
The Deputy Directors assist
in the day-to-day liaison activities with Congressional Committees and
individual Members of Congress. They communicate with individual Members
of Congress and their staffs on administrative and policy matters affecting
the entire scope of the programs and activities of the Department. They
support and facilitate an effective interchange of information between
Congress and the Department which is necessary for the maintenance of
close and harmonious relationships, and which fully reflect the Secretary's
policies and viewpoints.
The Legislative Counsel
The Legislative Counsel
is responsible for clearance of materials within the Department and
through the Office of Management and Budget. The Legislative Counsel
reviews legislative documents prepared by Departmental bureaus and offices,
and monitors the preparation of coordinated reports. Also, she coordinates
Departmental representation at Congressional hearings and ensures the
presentation of testimony and reports to Congress. She is responsible
for establishing and maintaining contacts on legislative matters with
the Congress and with other Federal agencies.