How to Move the Needle on Policy while Congress Focuses on Reconciliation

All eyes are focused on Congress’s reconciliation push, but what should stakeholders do if their priorities are not included in the budget bill dominating congressional offices’ time and attention? It’s important to remember that policymaking doesn’t stop during reconciliation – it just takes more deliberative planning. For those advancing policy priorities that won’t be incorporated into the budget process, now is the time to double down on smart, targeted advocacy that’s a longer play.

Here’s how:

Engage committees. While committees, especially in the House, must consider portions of the reconciliation bill, their work is a sprint while longer-term priorities play out in the background. Committee staff are still considering summer and fall markups and drafting legislation.

Build relationships with the administration. While it has been a slow roll, political appointees are beginning to fill the administration and will want to hear stakeholders’ feedback and find opportunities to partner. Building those relationships early in their tenure will benefit all involved.

Take the time to find unlikely champions. Now is the time to socialize your ideas on the Hill, hold briefings, and build awareness to find champions who might not have engaged on this issue before.

Engaging on issues outside of reconciliation gives you the rare gift of time in DC. Use that wisely, and you will be well-positioned to advance policy priorities when the dust settles and offices and committees are eager to find new issues to champion.