First Branch Forecast

We make it easier to understand Congress and participate in the legislative process through original research and commentary in our weekly newsletter, the First Branch Forecast.

Understanding Congress is vitally important for an engaged democracy, but its inner workings are often obscure and arcane. We explain them. We follow hearings in-depth, write about proposed and enacted legislation, and pore over the Congressional Record and various government, civil society, and trade publications to give you the inside scoop on congressional transparency, accountability, operations, political power, technology, and more.

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“First Branch Forecast is the most insightful, ‘in the gears,’ and up to the minute newsletter available on the evolution of Congress' technology and data capacity.”

– Lorelei Kelly, Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University

“The First Branch Forecast is a critical read for me because it offers a clear window into the congressional world beyond the four corners of my office. It helps me understand the larger legislative ecosystem that we are operating within.”

– Anonymous federal agency official

“I rely on the First Branch Forecast to learn about how Congress works behind the scenes, and how the legislative branch works — particularly the legislative branch appropriations process. I also appreciate the perspective on breaking news and deeper dives into stories that make it to mainstream media sources.”

– Shari Laster

“I oversee advocacy and policy for an environmental and climate education association and need to have both a broad view of Congress, but also specific actionable information for my advocates to use in their outreach and engagement. First Branch Forecast gives me both.”

– Brock Adler

“Insightful analysis on a broad range of topics that I can't find anywhere else, particularly the framing of the current snapshot of Congress. The wry humor is also appreciated.”

– Anonymous House staffer

Read the latest First Branch Forecast