The U.S. Congress can be even more frustrating to cover than executive agencies. Closed meetings are common, FOIA doesn't apply, and just getting a seat in the hearing room is sometimes an athletic challenge.

But even reporters outside the Beltway can - and should - cover Congress. Journalist Mark Twain said the republic is not safe as long as Congress is in session. Here are a few tools to help.

• Most of the legislative work in Congress is done in committees. A good set of contacts with press officers for committees legislating on your areas of interest is essential. You can find a list of Senate committee press officers, including phones, e-mails, and often cell numbers, here. [2] We don't have the equivalent for the House - but a phone directory of House committee offices is here. [3]
• You can often find news of local or national interest by looking at schedules of committee hearings - usually available at least the day before. These schedules are compiled in many places, but one free and generally accurate source for the House is this. [4] For the Senate, try this list. [5]
• Bill Tracking is fairly easy using the powerful THOMAS online system run by the Library of Congress. Start here. [6] Hint: it's MUCH easier once you get the bill number of the legislation you are interested in. Don't forget to look at committee reports for a wealth of information.
• Even if your editor won't spring for travel, you can see a lot on C-SPAN (check your local cable TV listings). C-SPAN is also available by webcast. [7] If it's not on C-SPAN, don't despair. Nowadays, many committees routinely broadcast hearings on their own live webcasts, so check the website of the committee in question.
• House Daily Press Gallery. [3]
• Senate Daily Press Gallery. [8]