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Legislative Analyst (or Attorney)
Legislative Reference Division

Legislative Analysts (or Attorneys) are responsible for managing the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) central legislative clearance process. The basic purpose of the clearance process is to ensure that Presidential policies are reflected correctly on legislative matters before the Congress.

The Analyst's basic responsibilities include:

  • assisting in preparing the President's annual legislative program -- that is, the major bills to be proposed to Congress by the Administration each year;

  • coordinating the development and interagency review of Executive Branch agency legislative proposals;

  • coordinating the interagency review of agency testimony and letters to Congress expressing views on bills it is considering;

  • staying abreast of legislative developments in Congress and ensuring that the Administration's positions or concerns about bills are made known to Congress in a timely manner; and

  • preparing memoranda to the President, including signing statements and veto messages as appropriate, on legislation presented to him by Congress for approval or disapproval. Each Analyst performs these duties in particular subject matter areas, such as environment, health, education, drug abuse, and so forth.

Attributes required for the successful performance of these responsibilities include:

(1) expressing oneself orally in a succinct and straightforward manner;

(2) writing quickly, accurately, and clearly in a structured manner that synthesizes complex facts, analyses, and oral opinions;

(3) excellent work management skills to ensure the completion of multiple tasks under externally imposed short deadlines;

(4) establishing priorities when presented with conflicting demands;

(5) objectivity in dealing with controversial and complex issues;

(6) dealing effectively with officials at all levels of government;

(7) negotiating and mediating constructive solutions to complex and contentious issues;

(8) acquiring and understanding of the legislative process of the Federal Government; and

(9) utilizing effectively the talents, knowledge, and expertise of staff in OMB and other agencies. Finally, one should enjoy working with diverse groups of people.