The Dance of Legislation: An Insider's Account of the Workings of the United States Senate [Paperback]

Eric Redman (Author), Richard E. Neustadt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

The Dance of Legislation has long been considered a classic description of the legislative process. In it, Eric Redman draws on his two years as a member of Senator Warren Magnuson's staff to trace the drafting and passing of a piece of legislation -- S.4106, the National Health Service Bill -- with all the maneuvers, plots, counterplots, frustrations, triumphs, and sheer work and dedication involved. He provides a vivid picture of the bureaucratic infighting, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies necessary to make something happen on Capitol Hill. In a Postscript to the 2000 edition, Redman reflects on how that process has, and has not, changed in the thirty years since the book was first published.

In his youth, Eric Redman was a logger, longshoreman, Rhodes Scholar, and writing teacher, as well as a legislative aide. Today he is a Seattle attorney specializing in public policy and energy law. Richard E. Neustadt is Douglas Dillon Professor of Government emeritus, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

"The Dance of Legislation reads like a suspense novel: will a much-needed program of medical care for the ghettos, and for isolated rural areas, make it through the Congressional maze? Eric Redman . . . makes us feel the drama of the democratic process -- the comedy, the grief, the moments of despair and triumph which he experienced in the course of a year on Capitol Hill." -- Harry McPherson, author of A Political Education

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An outstanding book for undergraduates interested in politics." -- Choice

From the Inside Flap

"What Redman has written about the evolution of a health bill could be written about comparable constellations of personalities and pressures affecting an education or a housing or farm or tax bill. But few writers have actually produced a book that has such a useful blend of information, self-deprecatory humor, and keen rendering of the distinctive atmosphere of Congress." (New York Times Book Review)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1st edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295980230
• ISBN-13: 978-0295980232
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > United States > Legislative Branch

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for scholars and casual observers alike June 8, 2004

By Newsman78

Format:Paperback

This book deserves its reputation as a classic. Redman's story-telling skills are wonderful, he writes well, and clearly explains everything going on in the sometimes arcane world of legislative procedure. He makes the dullest-seeming motions and committee hearings come alive.

Scholars of the Congress should read this, if for no other reason than to get a basic handle on how the Congress actually works, rather than how they think it works in fancy regression analyses. But more than that, it's the starting point for a whole genre of work such as Showdown at Gucci Culch, Conflict and Compromise, and The Bill (all of which are must-reads as well). Even a casual observer of politics can get excited and interested.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Look At The Goings On Inside The U.S. Congress August 7, 1998

By Tab L. Uno ([e-mail])

Format:Hardcover

The year was 1970, President Nixon was still in office, however, an intern by the name of Eric Redman was on hand in the halls of Congress to witness the fascinating dance of legislation as The National Health Service Corps was attempting to be born. This book provides a personal account of the birth and struggles of the attempt to pass a piece of legislation from within the private confines of who was then the second most powerful United States Senator, Warren Magnuson from the State of Washington. While the names have changed, the struggle for a balance between power, influence, and social consciousness and survival remains the same. This book is as fantastic look behind the scenes of the most influential body of power on earth contains the essential ingredients today as a quarter of a century ago. It is a must read for anyone with an interest in political legislation and stands alone in its own right as a factual story that is as fascinating and compelling as any! fictional novel you will ever read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend the "Dance of Legislation" by Eric Redman January 5, 2013

By eanie

Format:Paperback

Very well written book - I had to buy it for one of my graduate courses for Public Health. Gives you a very good understanding of how legislation gets written, the interplay of politics in Washington,and the intimate details of how health care legislation has progressed in the past! After you finish reading it you will be amazed at what you learned! Highly recommend.