WASHINGTON, DC — The Ripon Society hosted a roundtable luncheon discussion yesterday afternoon with 13 senior staff members from the office of U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-8), who serves as Chairman of the oldest Committee in Congress, the Committee on Ways & Means.

“If you work in Washington, you’re used to being surrounded by history,” stated Ripon Society President & CEO Jim Conzelman in remarks to open the roundtable discussion.  “But it should be pointed out that if you work for the Ways and Means Committee, you’re surrounded by more history than most.

“After all, Ways & Means is not only the oldest committee in Congress, dating back to 1789, but many of its members have also gone on to serve in higher office.  Eight Presidents have served on Ways and Means, from James Madison to George H.W. Bush.  So have eight Vice Presidents, 22 Speakers of the House, and four Justices of the Supreme Court.  So, as you can see, the Ways and Means Committee is not only a hotbed of history, but is a hotbed of talented individuals, as well.

“We are honored to be joined by 13 such individuals from the current Ways & Means Chairman’s staff, and appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedules to be with us today.”

The staff members from Chairman Brady’s staff participating in the roundtable discussion included:  David Stewart, Ways & Means Staff Director (who is pictured above delivering remarks); Lori Harju, Senior Adviser and Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Matt Weidinger, Deputy Staff Director; Barbara Angus, Chief Tax Counsel; Anne DeCesaro, Human Resources Staff Director; Emily Murry, Health Staff Director; Machalagh Carr, Oversight Staff Director; Angela Ellard, Trade Staff Director; Amy Shuart, Social Security Staff Director; Allison Halataei, General Counsel; Emily Schillinger, Communications Director; Sarah Rusciano, Special Assistant to the Staff Director; and, Paul Guaglianone, Coalitions Coordinator.

“Eight Presidents have served on Ways and Means, from James Madison to George H.W. Bush.  So have eight Vice Presidents, 22 Speakers of the House, and four Justices of the Supreme Court.”

According to Conzelman, the format of the roundtable was intended to foster discussion among the featured participants and those who attended the event.  Conzelman also noted that yesterday’s roundtable was attended by a crowd of over 110 people, and was one of a series of roundtable discussions The Ripon Society has hosted with senior congressional staff in recent years.  Conzelman added that the next senior staff roundtable discussion will be held on June 2nd with senior staff members from the Office of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

Other Ripon Society upcoming events include: a breakfast discussion with Reps. Peter Roskam and Ander Crenshaw on April 14th; a breakfast discussion with Chairman Bill Flores (TX-17) and other members of the Republican Study Committee on April 21st; and a breakfast discussion with U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) on April 28th.

The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 — Ripon, Wisconsin.  One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success.  These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.

To view additional photos of yesterday’s luncheon discussion, please click here.