Get the inside scoop from our Washington Correspondent, then use the tools below to get involved in the political system. It's about time you started speaking for yourself. Find Your Congress Members: Who is representing your state in DC, and how can you have a say? Congressional Committees: What they do and who to contact. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Thomas The full text and status of Congressional legislation. PoliticsNow A great source for political news and links. The Zipper Who represents you in D.C.? Enter your zip code to find out. Political Cartoons Even poli sci majors have funny bones... Henry Payne Jeff Stahler Bill Schorr Steve Benson Matt Davies Jerry Holbert Ed Stien Dick Wright

Tripod's Washington correspondent translates the hottest political happenings into plain English every week. brought to you by: This week's Issue: Wait 'Til Next Year Tripod looks at the laws that didn't quite make it, and why. Playbook entries by Mike Crowley, Washington correspondent. Past Issues September1996 Unfinished Business Whistle Stop Promises Tobacco Legislation August 1996 Democratic National Convention Preview Sanctions from the Hill Stalking the Stalkers: Sex Offender Legislation July 1996 Social Issues on Capitol Hill, Part 2 Recent Legislation on Capitol Hill June 1996 The Fall of the Congressional Black Caucus? Budget Wranglings for '97 The Women of the GOP The Campaign Generals May 1996 Playing the Veepstakes Legislative Watch Democratic Charge The Campaign in Congress April 1996 Turn Green Tax Relief Welcome to the Terrordome Blue-Collar Blues March 1996 Things That Go "Bang" Racing for the Dole Position Back to Congress: What Have You Done For Me Lately? Primary Warp Speed February 1996 Back to Congress Iowa Roundup Who Is Steve Forbes? January 1996 Inside Congress: Heading for the Exits Presidential Profile: The Long Shots Close-up: Whitewater Rapids The Republican Budget Negotiators The House Republican Freshman Class December 1995 Presidential GOProfile: Steve Forbes Urgent: Stop Net Censorship by Congress Bosnia Roundup November 1995 The Contract With America, One Year Later (Part II): The Scorecard: Have the Republicans Delivered? The Contract With America, One Year Later (Part I): The Scorecard: Have the Republicans Delivered? Presidential GOProfile: Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Presidential GOProfile: Senator Phil Gramm of Texas October 1995 Presidential GOProfile: Senator Bob Dole of Kansas Immigration Defense Spending/Abortion Drug Sentencing Guide to the New Hampshire Forum Alaskan Oil Drilling Farm Subsidies Bill Earned Income Tax Credit September 1995 Space Station Medicaid Reform Tax Cuts Speed Limits Foreign Policy Spending Political Advocacy Welfare Reform 1996 Federal Budget Medicare Reform Internet Obscenity -- The Exon Amendment Flag Burning Clean Water Lobby Reform NEA Funding Affirmative Action Abortion Balanced budget Term limits Preventing Terrorism Funding the Arts Crime Control Legal Reform Line-Item Veto