Gary Andres and Charles Brain talked about the role of the legislative affairs office in the White House during a transition period and a new administration's first term. Congress returns this week to begin confirmation hearings for President-Elect Barack Obama's cabinet positions. House and Senate Democratic leaders also plan to ready the $850 billion stimulus package as well as other pieces of legislation for President-Elect Obama to sign on Jan. 20. Mr. Andres and Mr. Brain responded to telephone calls and electronic mail.