"The Congressional Experience is an excellent companion for any citizen or scholar attempting to understand
America's representative body. Price, an accomplished and highly respected Member of Congress and political scientist,
guides the reader through the tumultuous years of the 1990s and George W. Bush's presidency. Along the way, he
offers a powerful vision of the Congress-its flaws, strengths, and enduring responsibilities."
--Lee H. Hamilton, Director, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and former U.S. Representative
from Indiana's Ninth District, 1965-1999
"There is no rival to The Congressional Experience. It is required reading for anyone who wants to know how
Congress works. Readers have the privilege of reading the systematic insights of a widely respected Congressman
and a well-published political scientist, David E. Price. The inside wisdom from the experience of serving as a
Member of Congress is combined with the meticulous research and analysis of a political scientist. This unique
book stands as a pinnacle in the works on Congress."
--James A. Thurber Director, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University
"What is it like serving in today's Congress with its strong leaders, weak committees, and bitter partisanship?
This is the best inside account available."
--David Mayhew Yale University
Publisher Web Site, July, 2004
Summary
Congressman David Price proves he is uniquely qualified to guide us through the labyrinth of rules, roles, and
representatives that is Congress. This third edition is thoroughly updated to cover developments over the past
several years - the Bush presidency, consolidated Republican control of the White House and Congress, the plunge
from budget surpluses to record deficits, and the "Bush revolution" in foreign policy. A new chapter
has also been on defense and foreign affairs, emphasizing the author's own work on Middle East policy and Congress'
handling of the war in Iraq. The reader get a clear sense of the challenges, disappointments, elation, and deep
concerns implicit in serving as a member of Congress-especially the kind of member David Price has chosen to be.