Thoughts on Being a Congressional Field Representative

In my view, serving as a Congressional Field Representative (“Field Rep”) is one of the best opportunities available to Congressional staffers. In that role, often known as District or State Representative, a staffer has the responsibility to represent their boss in the Congressional District or State. The men and women who serve in this capacity literally are the eyes, ears, and public persona of the Member where it arguably counts the most – back home.

If done correctly, this role provides an excellent opportunity to move on to future elected office at the county, state, or federal level. There are countless examples but perhaps the best one is my former colleague, Kevin McCarthy. Long before Kevin became Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, he was a Field Rep for former Representative William M. Thomas (R-CA). Kevin has now been followed by his own Field Rep, now U.S. Representative Vince Fong (R-CA), who I also worked with while with Mr. Thomas.

One of the primary responsibilities of Field Reps is to go places. This is literally a role that will allow you to go just about anywhere and see just about anything. The only boundaries are ethical or company rules, legal restrictions, and any constraints your principal or supervisors decide to place upon the staff. Much of this work is reactive, with the Field Rep responding to direct invitations or to invitations extended to the Member of Congress. However, I would encourage Field Reps to be proactive as well and to seek out places to visit and people to meet. There are countless opportunities; the sky is literally the limit. Some possibilities include, but certainly are not limited to, assisted living facilities; community colleges; city, county and state agencies; farms; factories; firehouses; hospitals; local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement agencies; small businesses; social organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Knights of Columbus, etc.; schools; treatment centers; unions, and universities.

As they conduct visits, the Field Rep should evaluate whether their colleagues in Washington, DC or the Member would also benefit from a visit during a Congressional recess or otherwise. Additionally, if there is a pressing legislative issue or concern that cannot wait, talk to your legislative colleague about arranging a Teams call as soon as possible. Field Reps must take note of any casework or funding requests as they visit and immediately convey them to the appropriate colleague, usually a caseworker or legislative staffer who handles grants and appropriations.

As a Field Rep, you will help yourself and the team immensely, if you understand the information needed to effectively assist with casework and funding requests. I would encourage you to receive an overview of those areas from your colleagues but also to read some appropriate Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports or attend some relevant CRS training courses about grants. Keep in mind that CRS specialists will often meet with individual staffers upon request.

Additionally, it is imperative that you understand your Member’s process for seeking earmarks, officially known as “Congressional Directed Spending” or “Community Project Funding.” While the deadlines for Members to submit requests for earmarks to the Appropriations Committee is usually in March or April, you will help your team immensely and earn tremendous goodwill with your colleagues if you make them aware of constituent interest as soon as it becomes known to you. In my view, Field Reps should keep a list of all appropriations requests received each month and share that with the Chief of Staff or other appropriate legislative staffer(s).

Ideally, you will ask your colleagues if you can help in the process by helping to gather appropriate information from or deliver forms to constituents. Likewise, you will help your Member by suggesting potential opportunities to help constituents through the appropriations process to your colleagues. The first quarter of each year is often hellishly busy for your colleagues in Washington, DC as they work to process and prepare appropriations requests amidst the crush of meetings and hearings. They will very much appreciate knowing as far in advance about potential earmark requests, particularly ones that are could be Member priorities.

Another way a Field Rep can help their Member is by being involved in the political process. A principal way to do this is to attend party meetings and functions such as Jefferson-Jackson Day or Lincoln Day Dinners, lunches hosted by the County Republican or Democratic Women’s Club, and the monthly party meetings. If a Field Rep does so, it is imperative that they work closely with their Chief of Staff and District Director to ensure alignment. It is also critically important to follow all applicable ethical guidelines and legal restrictions.

Similarly, to the degree the office desires it, Field Reps can help the press team by building relationships with the local press. If this is done, it must be done very carefully and with full understanding of being on and off the record as well as total alignment with the press team.

In my view, superior Field Reps will keep track of the visits and send thank you notes in their wake; ideally, emails will be sent in addition to letters or notes, if appropriate, and contacts created. Likewise, the very best Field Reps will write weekly or periodic reports detailing the results of these visits and send them to their supervisor, likely the District Director, and perhaps the Chief of Staff and Member to make them aware of the meetings that have been conducted and any important messages, opportunities, or watchouts. It will help your Member tremendously if he or she is able to respond, usually to a critical comment, “No, I have not been there yet, but my Field Rep has been there,” before being able to recite what you did there or mention some details about the location or its needs and priorities.

All of this effort will pay immense dividends later. The information you gather, and share, can help determine whether a future visit by the Member is warranted and can be beneficial in developing legislation, finding hearing witnesses, newsletters, direct mail pieces, fundraising, securing letters to the editor, and in numerous other ways. It also can help find opportunities for the Member to speak, for example to a County Historical Society or the local Rotary or at a graduation ceremony.

Finally, always remember that you are the Member’s representative, not the representative. This will help to prevent tension with your colleagues, particularly those in the DC office. Along those lines, take the time to learn and understand the appropriate House and Senate gift rules. They apply to you even though you do not live and work in Washington, DC and you can cause great harm to your Member and yourself if you are ignorant or careless.