This study describes the political environment that confronts rural advocates, and identifies the boundaries within which rural policy can be developed, promoted, and adopted with some degree of success. Congress designs and implements national policy; therefore, its composition affects advancements in rural policy. Rural residents comprise 24% of the U.S. population, but are "under-represented" in the House of Representatives. Rural districts number 88, or 20%, indicating that geographic representation is not uniform. In terms of seniority and leadership, rural Representatives lag behind their urban colleagues, occupying less than 17% of key leadership positions. Senators represent rural interests by a greater proportion due to the design of the Senate. The Congressional Joint Economic Committee outlined principles of rural policy as a foundation on which successful rural programs could be based. It identified features unique to rural America; stressed the importance of national awareness; underscored the need for access to technology, information, public facilities and services; recognized the urgency of private sector initiative and teamwork among all participants; and showed rural America to be a part of and affected by the U.S. and world economy. The Committee drafted a "Rural Rights Act" emphasizing that people cannot be discriminated against on the basis of geographic location. This report calls for a rural coalition with members from local, county, and state governments; the private sector; and civic, social, religious, and professional organizations to advance the cause for rural America. Nine references are included. (KS)