Object
Power Zones (Policy Payoff)
A non‑physical program label and bargaining token: the phrase 'Power Zones' denotes a targeted package of funding or benefits rather than any material artifact. It exists as memo language and spoken leverage in Josh's bullpen — Mandy urges deploying it, Josh backs its use, and Leo and Toby argue its risks as a negotiable concession to flip swing votes.
2 appearances
Purpose
To serve as a targeted programmatic concession—discretionary funding or benefits the administration can promise or withhold to persuade specific congressional swing members to support the Appropriations bill.
Significance
Functions as tactical currency in the story’s legislative maneuvering: naming and dangling Power Zones crystallizes strategic choices, heightens intra‑staff conflict over ethics and risk, and directly links to efforts to win Gladman and Skinner while persuading Willis on census sampling.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used