1 What is Legislative Affairs? The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs (ASD) is responsible directly to the Secretary of Defense for maintaining liaison and relationships with members of Congress and the Executive Branch. In carrying out these responsibilities, the ASD heads a staff of managers, action officers, and support personnel, who manage, control, direct and monitor communications and activities involving Congress and elements of the Department of Defense (DOD), including the Office of the Secretary of Defense (DOD), Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the Armed Services, and Defense Agencies.

2 OSD Legislative Affairs Sets Legislative Policy Develops Strategy Provides Advice Provides Consent to Engage Congress Prepares Nominees

3 Why is it Important? Provides continuity across the Department –Sometimes LA is the only shop that has the “whole picture.” SecDef/Deputy position is often sensitive, or evolving. LA will have the insight. Provides a consistent message to, and before, Congress.

4 Why is Congress Important? Article I of the Constitution provides: –Congress shall have the power to raise and support Armies; To provide and maintain a Navy; To make rules for the Government and Regulation of land and naval forces. Provides annual Authorization and Appropriation for DOD –$401.7 Billion FY05 –388 Legislative Proposals

5 Congressional Overview RepublicanDemocrat Senate: House: Women Serving:Senate 14 Women ServingHouse 62

6 Congressional Cycle Budget sent to the Hill February 2 Budget Resolution completed by March 15 Authorization markup completed in May Appropriations markup completed in June Conferences done by September Bills signed by October 1

7 Hearings Begin with SecDef and Comptroller in February –High Season – March/April/May 138 Hearings in the House in 2003 LA office provides prep, background data, hearing questions, follow-up, interface with members. You are responsible for clearing your statement, and ensuring proper policy is followed.

8 Primary Committees of Jurisdiction Senate Armed Services Committee –John Warner, Chairman –Carl Levin, Ranking House Armed Services Committee –Duncan Hunter, Chairman –Ike Skelton, Ranking Senate Appropriations, Defense Subcommittee –Ted Stevens, Chairman –Daniel Inouye, Ranking House Appropriations, Defense Subcommittee –Jerry Lewis, Chairman –John Murtha, Ranking

9 FY05 Legislative Priorities 1.Train and Equip 2.Average Strength 3.Organizational Changes to Service Academies 4.Range Readiness Preservation Initiatives 5.Missile Defense Agency Funding Protect 1.BRAC 2.Marine Mammal Protection Act 3.National Security Personnel System

10 Legislative Liaison Ground Truths Democracy is a contact sport… All politics are local… You’ll never know what you don’t know… Everything is connected to something… It’s never over ‘till it’s over… Never take it personally…even when it’s meant that way…