معرفی
Timothy M. LaPira is a Professor of Political Science at James Madison University and Coordinator of the Government Relations Certificate program. He is affiliated with the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on congressional operations, interest groups, lobbying dynamics, and legislative capacity. LaPira has authored influential books including Revolving Door Lobbying (2017) and Congress Overwhelmed (2020), which examine institutional challenges in Congress. His work has been funded by major organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Hewlett Foundation.
His research explores how moneyed interests influence policy, the declining capacity of congressional staff, and reforms to improve legislative efficiency. LaPira has held roles on Capitol Hill, including as a legislative assistant and a Public Service Fellow with the House Modernization Committee. He also developed lobbying databases at the Center for Responsive Politics.
LaPira’s recent studies highlight partisan disparities in science use, false consensus among elites, and the impact of moneyed interests on legislative outcomes. His work emphasizes evidence-based reforms to enhance transparency and democratic accountability in policymaking processes.
- Advising & Grants: Received grants from NSF, Sunlight Foundation, and Democracy Fund. Serves on editorial boards for Legislative Studies Quarterly and Interest Groups & Advocacy.
- Labs/Teams: Associated with the Center for Effective Lawmaking (UVA) and previously the Center for Responsive Politics.
