2: The Federal Legislative Process 11

     The Role of Congressional Committees 11

     House Committees 12

     Senate Committees 13

     Joint Committee on Taxation 13

     Congressional Staff 14

     Congressional Leadership 15

     Development of Legislation 17

     Bill Introduction 17

     Committee Referral 18

     Committee Deliberation 18

     Scheduling 19

     Floor Action 19

     Second Chamber Deliberation 20

     Conference Committee 20

     Final Floor Debate/Executive Action/Congressional Override 20

3: The Regulatory Process 21

     Role of Regulatory Agencies in the Benefits Arena 22

     Department of Treasury 23

     Department of Labor 23

     Internal Revenue Service 24

     Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 26

     Department of Health and Human Services 26

     Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 26

     Office of Management and Budget 26

     Securities and Exchange Commission 27

     Rulemaking 27

4: How to Monitor What Is Happening in Washington 29

     Official Government Documents 29

     Computer Online/Televised Information 29

     Government Affairs Representation 30

     Trade Associations 30

5: The Role of Interest Groups in the Policy Process 33

     Competitive Political Marketplace 34

6: Stakeholder Education and Grassroots Activity 35

     Letter Writing 36

     Internal Communications 37

     Individual Meetings 38

     District/In-State Meetings 39

     Company Operations Tour 39

     Campaign Fundraising 40

     The News Media's Role in Washington 42

7: Participating in the Process 43

References 44