Activistas 101: Tracking Legislation in D.C.

You remember: "I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill."  True, the days of Schoolhouse Rock are long gone, but the need to understand the legislative process remains.  If you want to change the law (oh, and I do), you've got to understand how laws are made so you can get in there when the gettin's good, so you know who to call or write or visit - and when. 

Once you know about a bill, you need its number (depending on whether it's in the House or Senate, it starts with a S. or H.R.).  When you're armed with that tedious info, you can head straight for Thomas (named for Thomas Jefferson, this system provides legislative info from the Library of Congress).  Thomas'll tell you everything there is to know about that bill (that's public, anyway). 

You'll know who the co-sponsors are, where it is in the lawmaking process (what committee), the full text, the Congressional Research Service summary (great synopsis for busy mamas).  It's important to know what committee it's in or headed to so you know which legislators to contact.  Contacting yours is always a good idea since s/he represents you, but branching out and contacting others who will influence the bill's outcome is important, and often a more direct way to impact legislation. 

Of course you can visit the main House or Senate web pages, they are chock full - but can be overwhelming if you're searching for something in particular.  The Senate has an easy-to-navigate Active Legislation page where you can browse by topic rather than bill number. 

Feed it to me.  And, if you're looking for the easy way, as I am, just let the info come to you.  Yes, mamas, Congress has a feed! Once you know your bill number(s), you can sign up on GovTrack to get e-mail updates anytime it makes a move.  This is a perfect example of how technology can support democracy - we love it!  If you want to give it a whirl, try H.R. 2236, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007.  You can also track specific committees, legislators, you name it.  Just like any other feed, it takes a few minutes to set it up, but then it's autopilot.

Am I missing anything?  Having never worked in the halls of Congress, I probably am.  Any urbanMamas or Papas out there with anything to add?  Correct?  Inside scoop?  Do tell.