Notes on the Congressional Section

Will mentions receiving these notes with feedback on the Congressional section of a speech draft during his lobby exchange with Toby. Toby acknowledges them and plans to discuss revisions later, using the notes to steer conversation amid Will's reassignment to Sam's old office. The junior speechwriter holds them as proof of his integration into Toby's demanding workflow, their arrival marking a routine but pivotal step in White House speech production.

4 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S4E11 · Holy Night

Toby Reassigns Will; Julie Appears

Will holds the notes on the Congressional section which he references to prompt Toby; the notes are the proximate work artifact that ties the logistical reassignment to the speechwriting task at hand.

Before: In Will's possession, used as a conversational lever to get Toby's attention about the Congressional section.

After: Presumably carried by Will as he goes to collect his things and move into the deputy office.

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S4E11 · Holy Night

Toby's Father Appears in His Office

The notes on the Congressional section are the professional thread Toby is juggling; Will brings them up in the lobby and Toby defers discussion, illustrating the competing demands—policy work and an uninvited family confrontation—pulling at him in the same breath.

Before: In Will's possession as he sits on the bench.

After: Taken by Will as he walks away to the deputy office; Toby postpones review.

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S4E11 · Holy Night

Will's Awkward Oval Debut and Toby's Soft Landing

The 'notes on the Congressional section' are referenced by President Bartlet when he suggests they prompted Will's visit; they are the substantive reason the President assumes Will is there, framing the misunderstanding that causes Will's embarrassment.

Before: Prepared and sent by the President (Bartlet) or his office; in circulation among communications staff as a draft reference.

After: Remains the central topic to be addressed later at the scheduled 7:30 meeting; not altered by the encounter.

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S4E11 · Holy Night

Toby's Family Secret: Murder, Incorporated

The 'notes on the Congressional section' are the ostensible reason Will is at the White House and are referenced directly by Bartlet; the notes function narratively as the professional purpose over which the personal exchange (Will’s embarrassment, Toby’s mentoring) unfolds.

Before: Prepared and sent by the President (or his staff) as part of routine briefing materials; the document exists as a point of discussion.

After: Remains a briefing document for later review; its role in this event is conversational rather than physically manipulated.

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