As part of its outreach, CSP frequently briefs Members of Congress and their staffs concerning issues of importance to the country and the Administration. Below is information about some of our recent outreach efforts to Congress.
Iraq Study Group
Before the formal announcement of the formation of the Iraq Study Group (ISG), CSP aided the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) in developing and carrying out a comprehensive consultation strategy for key Members of Congress. CSP marshaled Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to develop bipartisan support for this project. Reflecting the bipartisan nature of the ISG itself, Members from each party stepped forward to pledge their support. The wide-range of bipartisan support was evident when over 20 Representatives and Senators from both parties were in attendance when the ISG was announced on March 15, 2006, on Capitol Hill.
Mount Vernon Compact
In 2005, Max Kampelman and David Abshire formed the National Committee to Unite a Divided America to help unify a too-polarized nation through civility and inclusive leadership in order to meet the severe challenges that we face overseas and at home. The National Committee produced the Declaration on Civility and Inclusive Leadership, which was signed by more than 185 prominent Americans – including CEOs, university presidents, religious leaders, heads of policy institutes, former diplomats and generals, and former Members of Congress.
Current Members of Congress also inquired about joining the National Committee and signing the Declaration. However, this would not be fitting as the document is addressed to the Executive and Legislative branches. Therefore, in consultation with various Members of Congress, CSP developed the Mount Vernon Compact, specifically for Members. The Compact highlights the importance of character-based leadership in view of growing nationwide disillusionment with government spurred by several dramatic cases of corruption in recent months.
Missile Defense
CSP plays an important role in debates concerning U.S. defense policy, homeland security policy and transatlantic relations. The Center has recently begun preliminary work on a new project on the ongoing and often difficult and divisive issue of missile defense. By drawing on the vast resources of the Center and its personal and institutional connections, CSP aims to contribute a non-partisan analysis of the political issues facing the President and Congress in relation to missile defense.
With the ever evolving threats of Iran and North Korea and the potential of a terrorist-launched missile attack, missile defense is gaining prominence once again. The Center believes firmly in the importance of informed and lively debate over such issues as costs and budgetary issues, the international strategic implications of a missile defense system, and an in-depth analysis of the domestic political environment in which this debate is occurring. We hope to support the development of the debate, to ensure the best possible outcome for the nation and its defense.
For more information on CSP’s Congressional briefings, please contact John Boyer, Congressional Liaison, at 202-872-9800 or via e-mail.
