Problem Solving and the Demand for Expert Information in Congress. Issue 1 (30th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fagan, E. J.; McGee, Zachary A.
• Is Part Of: Legislative studies quarterly. Volume 47:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2020-12-30
• Subjects: Legislative bodies -- Periodicals; Parlement; Procédure législative; Système parlementaire; Étude comparée (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 328
• DOI: 10.1111/lsq.12323
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-9805

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines the relationship between demand for expert information from members of the US Congress and increased issue salience in the public. As problems become salient, policymakers should seek out expert information to define problems and identify effective policy solutions to address those problems. Previous work on elite mass public representation and government problem solving has relied on public actions by elected officials to evaluate this relationship. We rely instead on new data on the policy content of privately requested reports from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from 1997 to 2017. We find strong evidence that members consult experts when issues become salient, even when controlling for legislative agendas.