What factors influence congressional decision
making?
Imagine you are a U.S. Representative. Before being elected to public office, you were a
research scientist. A member of your party has proposed a bill about genetically modified
foods, which are foods that have been genetically engineered for human consumption.
Many other members of your party plan to vote in favor of it, and a majority of your
constituents support the bill. However, your experience as a scientist tells you this bill is
not a good idea. Several of your scientific colleagues have e-mailed or texted you asking
you to oppose the bill.
What will you do? Will you vote for the bill because your constituents support it or vote against it
because your own knowledge tells you it is bad policy? Would it matter if your party strongly
supported the bill? What if an Interest group that contributed to your campaign supported the bill?
Whatever you decide, some people will be unhappy with you. What steps would you take to
explain your vote and minimize conflict? Below are some options, but you may have better ideas
of your own:
1. Hold town meetings in your district to gather views and inform people about the issue.
2. Send out a newsletter explaining your vote.
3. Hold a press conference to explain your vote.