With the Senate working its way through its spring agenda, I'm starting to feel settled in to my fellowship experience, too. My routines are more familiar, commuting, finding my way around for supplies and snack bars, and recognizing hearing rooms and stairwells. It's feeling like home.
The work is starting to settle into a routine, as well. Check the email when I get into the office, review the schedule for the day and week, review upcoming legislation and committee meeting expectations, see what's happening on the Hill, and try to not get distracted by the considerable gossip - both about the campaign and politics in general. This town is a veritable gossip factory. Respond to requests for information, prepare for Senator's needs: on data, on recommendations, on information.
This week, we prepared for a press conference planned for Monday morning, reviewing recent events and media on the topic, collecting key stats and constituent involvement, and selecting the best time and place. The Senator will be introducing a package of bills (the title of which I created, and with one of the components which I suggested). I was also involved in a hearing this week on the issue.
Attended briefings on other timely issues - patient navigation, sexually transmitted infections in adolescents, and durable medical equipment competitive bidding.
Met with many constituent groups, who are asking for things that I'm now familiar with - the Senator's position, whether he's a cosponsor on a particular bill, and knowing whether other groups have talked to us about the same issue. This gives me confidence. My favorite meetings are those with larger groups of students, and I enjoy the meetings where I know someone in the group from a different context or from previous work in the state. The hardest ones are the families who bring one of their children with the disease/condition that they're asking money for - for research to find a cause and cure. Very hard.
There were several other bills that I suggested the Senator consider cosponsoring, which he did. That always feels good. And when the interns from those sponsoring offices come around for the Senator's signature, I recognize these "Dear Colleague" letters or bills that we're signing on to.
Among the many things we pay attention to in this office are the concerns of constituents. I've created a system where if one of the more frequent emails or phone calls that come to the front desk is related to health, I draft a short response that they can give the callers. I'm often more familiar with the issue, and they feel reassured giving a factual answer, rather than a more general one.
There was one health-related vote this week on the Senate floor (genetic non-discrimination, which passed), and one on pay equity (which was defeated, a long, discouraging story). I hope we'll have more success with the farm bill coming out of conference committee.
This weekend offers over 80 walking tours of the different neighborhoods in the city, and the beginning of its week-long film festival. I rode my bicycle to work for the first time today - not much fun. Cars and busses didn't yield, and cars stopped dead in the right lane to discharge passengers without signaling, forcing cyclists into traffic. Searching for a better way home, I stumbled onto the Waterfront - great find, but a trip doubled in length. I'll have to find a better route for both directions. Many other staffers apparently have the same idea, as the bike racks in the garage of my senate office building were packed!
Finished an unexpectedly enjoyable book: "What I Was," by Meg Rosoff. Better than "House and Senate," anyway (sorry, Ross).
Question: if there are black squirrels only in Princeton, NJ, why have I seen four here in D.C.?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day
Lots of things green. Spring outside in all of her glory. Internet home pages, articles in Hill newspapers, floor statements by Senators. Another opportunity for the public health and climate change connection, and I’m encouraged to see it being made by others this time.
The Senate is full steam ahead, considering whatever legislation is able to achieve cloture on (those elusive 60 votes to overcome a filibuster), acting on highway amendments, fair pay and nominations. Committee meetings are in full swing, with my boss seen chairing several meetings. We get blackberry emails from staff with a head’s up and the internal television channel whenever he’s speaking. That helps me know his positions and statements as they happen.
I’ve been helping prepare for an upcoming press conference on a health topic, and involved in preparing some health legislation for introduction. Lots to do: research the topics, work with legislative counsel for proper Senate language, work with expert and constituency groups for support and input, invite Senate co-sponsors for the legislation, review and prepare for introduction companion legislation from the House side, gain support to co-sponsor existing legislation requested by constituency groups. In fact, I even created the name of one of the bills my boss plans to introduce. All this while helping fill in for a staff vacancy and fighting a head cold.
Last week I attended another CRS workshop, on the Legislative process. One speaker described it as analogous to “The Odyssey,” a journey fraught with similarly impossible odds and challenges.
Correction: warmer weather has brought skirts on the female Hill staff. And the Pope. And practice for Senate staff softball. And the farmer’s market at my Metro stop. And friends and colleagues from out of town to have lunch and dinner with – one of my favorite activities.
Question: why are there no flowers allowed on the Senate floor?
The Senate is full steam ahead, considering whatever legislation is able to achieve cloture on (those elusive 60 votes to overcome a filibuster), acting on highway amendments, fair pay and nominations. Committee meetings are in full swing, with my boss seen chairing several meetings. We get blackberry emails from staff with a head’s up and the internal television channel whenever he’s speaking. That helps me know his positions and statements as they happen.
I’ve been helping prepare for an upcoming press conference on a health topic, and involved in preparing some health legislation for introduction. Lots to do: research the topics, work with legislative counsel for proper Senate language, work with expert and constituency groups for support and input, invite Senate co-sponsors for the legislation, review and prepare for introduction companion legislation from the House side, gain support to co-sponsor existing legislation requested by constituency groups. In fact, I even created the name of one of the bills my boss plans to introduce. All this while helping fill in for a staff vacancy and fighting a head cold.
Last week I attended another CRS workshop, on the Legislative process. One speaker described it as analogous to “The Odyssey,” a journey fraught with similarly impossible odds and challenges.
Correction: warmer weather has brought skirts on the female Hill staff. And the Pope. And practice for Senate staff softball. And the farmer’s market at my Metro stop. And friends and colleagues from out of town to have lunch and dinner with – one of my favorite activities.
Question: why are there no flowers allowed on the Senate floor?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Public Health Week
Senator Sanders (I, VT) introduced the resolution recognizing Public Health Week, which my boss signed on to. In addition, a fellow fellow (AAAS, working on environmental issues) and I proposed a floor statement for the Senator to consider. He agreed. It was exciting to be part of the process of crafting the statement and watching it morph into the speech. What a thrill! For the final version posted on the website, see: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=295948&& .
Senator Kennedy’s HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee held a hearing on Public Health and Climate Change, although it was better attended by the panel than the committee. I met the expert whose research I referenced in the floor speech, and was pleased to see the “gallery” filled the spectators (just rows of chairs beyond the committee tables, arranged in a square for this briefing).
There was good press about public health and climate change in Hill media. While next week could bring the next issue, this one needs some traction. I hope everyone will contact their elected officials, asking what’s being done to reduce climate change and support the public health system to prepare and respond when needed.
This week I also tracked the process for Senators wishing to sign onto a letter requesting funding for ovarian cancer as part of the appropriations process. Over 30 Senators agreed, so I worked with staff (mostly interns and the legislative correspondent) to obtain these signatures from each office (auto-pen comes in handy). Constituent meetings continue, along with tracking legislation, "watching the floor," keeping current with possibilities.
A new museum opening in Washington, D.C. this week: the Newseum. Apparently it had been in Arlington, VA previously – smaller and much less frequently visited. They held a free open house 4/11/08 ($20 admission now), and I stopped by during lunch. The wait was only 10 minutes to get in – much better than the 3-block line on my way to work that morning! The building is impressive and the exhibits even more so. http://www.newseum.org/.
There is a perfectly framed view of the Capitol from the 6th floor terrace of the glass building – a metaphor for the media keeping an eye on Congress? The Newseum also has a piece of the Berlin Wall (including “checkpoint Charlie”) and the burned, mangled antenna from the World Trade Center. Most impressive to me were the full-size photographs and accompanying descriptions of every photo which received a Pulitzer Prize. Remarkable. And even better, a video with the photographers, describing the events around their particular photograph. Very interesting! There were over 10,000 visitors that day, so I didn’t dawdle over some of the other exhibits, about ethics, the history and milestones of media, but worth going back to.
With my spousal unit in town for the weekend, we hit the bike paths. Finally pedaled to Mt. Vernon on the bike trail, which was worth the wait. Passed the Reagan National Airport (where three planes in a row aborted a landing – changing winds?), saw in flight or perched in a tree: an osprey, a bald eagle and a green heron! I love being this connected to nature in an urban environment. In fact, at Mt. Vernon itself I bought a cutting of English boxwood that’s a direct descendant from the boxwood possibly planted by George himself (do shrubs have degrees of separation?).
Equally delightful was the street fiddler in Alexandria that we listened to who played the tune from our wedding. Very special – homemade orange chocolate chip ice cream and Jay Ungar’s “The Misty Dawn.”
Had dinner at the Irish Restaurant and Pub at Dupont Circle, catching the last table outside. Perfect people watching weather (where are Stacey and Clinton when you need them?) before our Theater J performance of Arthur Miller's "The Price," with Robert Prosky and his son, John. Somewhat autobiographical, according to the program.
Lots in bloom in D.C. gardens: tulips, phlox, pinks, peonies, iris, hyacinth, azeala, alyssum, magnolia, cherry trees and crab apples. Even hostas have appeared. I picked up a hydroponic basil plant at the farmer’s market. We’ll have to see how that one does. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the potatoes out of my bicycle panniers before doing my East/West Potomac Park loop this morning. Maybe I discovered bicycle weight training… Sunny and warm during the week, and cold and rainy on weekends. There's humor in there somewhere...
Also caught the fabulous jazz performance of Dave Brubeck's quartet (he's 88 and still amazing) and Ramsey Lewis's trio. "Take Five," "Wade in the Water," "The In Crowd"...what could be better?
Question: why do travelers line up for their Amtrak train 25 minutes before departure?
Senator Kennedy’s HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee held a hearing on Public Health and Climate Change, although it was better attended by the panel than the committee. I met the expert whose research I referenced in the floor speech, and was pleased to see the “gallery” filled the spectators (just rows of chairs beyond the committee tables, arranged in a square for this briefing).
There was good press about public health and climate change in Hill media. While next week could bring the next issue, this one needs some traction. I hope everyone will contact their elected officials, asking what’s being done to reduce climate change and support the public health system to prepare and respond when needed.
This week I also tracked the process for Senators wishing to sign onto a letter requesting funding for ovarian cancer as part of the appropriations process. Over 30 Senators agreed, so I worked with staff (mostly interns and the legislative correspondent) to obtain these signatures from each office (auto-pen comes in handy). Constituent meetings continue, along with tracking legislation, "watching the floor," keeping current with possibilities.
A new museum opening in Washington, D.C. this week: the Newseum. Apparently it had been in Arlington, VA previously – smaller and much less frequently visited. They held a free open house 4/11/08 ($20 admission now), and I stopped by during lunch. The wait was only 10 minutes to get in – much better than the 3-block line on my way to work that morning! The building is impressive and the exhibits even more so. http://www.newseum.org/.
There is a perfectly framed view of the Capitol from the 6th floor terrace of the glass building – a metaphor for the media keeping an eye on Congress? The Newseum also has a piece of the Berlin Wall (including “checkpoint Charlie”) and the burned, mangled antenna from the World Trade Center. Most impressive to me were the full-size photographs and accompanying descriptions of every photo which received a Pulitzer Prize. Remarkable. And even better, a video with the photographers, describing the events around their particular photograph. Very interesting! There were over 10,000 visitors that day, so I didn’t dawdle over some of the other exhibits, about ethics, the history and milestones of media, but worth going back to.
With my spousal unit in town for the weekend, we hit the bike paths. Finally pedaled to Mt. Vernon on the bike trail, which was worth the wait. Passed the Reagan National Airport (where three planes in a row aborted a landing – changing winds?), saw in flight or perched in a tree: an osprey, a bald eagle and a green heron! I love being this connected to nature in an urban environment. In fact, at Mt. Vernon itself I bought a cutting of English boxwood that’s a direct descendant from the boxwood possibly planted by George himself (do shrubs have degrees of separation?).
Equally delightful was the street fiddler in Alexandria that we listened to who played the tune from our wedding. Very special – homemade orange chocolate chip ice cream and Jay Ungar’s “The Misty Dawn.”
Had dinner at the Irish Restaurant and Pub at Dupont Circle, catching the last table outside. Perfect people watching weather (where are Stacey and Clinton when you need them?) before our Theater J performance of Arthur Miller's "The Price," with Robert Prosky and his son, John. Somewhat autobiographical, according to the program.
Lots in bloom in D.C. gardens: tulips, phlox, pinks, peonies, iris, hyacinth, azeala, alyssum, magnolia, cherry trees and crab apples. Even hostas have appeared. I picked up a hydroponic basil plant at the farmer’s market. We’ll have to see how that one does. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the potatoes out of my bicycle panniers before doing my East/West Potomac Park loop this morning. Maybe I discovered bicycle weight training… Sunny and warm during the week, and cold and rainy on weekends. There's humor in there somewhere...
Also caught the fabulous jazz performance of Dave Brubeck's quartet (he's 88 and still amazing) and Ramsey Lewis's trio. "Take Five," "Wade in the Water," "The In Crowd"...what could be better?
Question: why do travelers line up for their Amtrak train 25 minutes before departure?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Eight Weeks Before Next Recess
But who's counting? We're back in session, and already had a vote on the floor on the foreclosure issue that I was monitoring. Waiting to see if the Senate could vote to invoke cloture (which they did to our surprise, 98-1) pending a compromise bill (being worked on as they voted). Differing needs of bankers, homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure, mortgage servicers, etc. On the one hand, the Republicans didn't want to prop up investors making risky choices; on the other hand, the Democrats remarked that they bailed out Bear Stearns... The negotiating is fascinating - one truly needs to know the issues, look at the larger context, understand the process, and be willing to play "hardball" - as much of this seems to be who blinks first before a compromise.
Two firsts: "dropped" a bill! Literally, that just means walking over to the Senate Democratic cloak room (no cloaks, just some chairs, desk and telephones to talk with Senators who might be in the Senate floor) and handing the staffer the draft bill (two pages, with the Senator's frank - signature from the machine - on the top and staff contact names and phone numbers on the back (including mine!). I called the Senate clerk's office less than one hour later and had the bill number. While I was there, two other office staffers handed in their bills, too. Many bills "dropped" (the House side actually has a hopper to drop the bills into, on the House floor, I believe), very few actually released from committee, fewer still come to a full vote once released from committee, even fewer are passed and are agreed to on the House side and signed by the President. While I don't think this bill will be one of those, it does contribute to the dialogue on the issue. Incremental change.
Since the Senate was in session while I was in the Capitol, I slipped over to the cheap seats and sat in the gallery for a brief time. Stunning room, lots of blue on the walls, busts (of past Senators?) along the wall and an etched glass Senate emblem on the ceiling. One Senator had the floor (talking at the podium), Senator Brown (RI) was presiding, and staff surrounded him on the floor a slight level below. After a few minutes, Senator Mikulski (MD) took over the presiding duties. At this time, since there was no vote scheduled, there were more spectators than Senators and staff in the room.
Had an opportunity to speak with a group of CDC officials being trained on Congressional process. I believe the hope is to increase their efficacy in understanding and working with legislative staff. Public health needs a stronger, clearer voice with federal legislators to encourage "upstream" thinking for prevention rather than treatment, and planning for public health to get to the cost:benefit of early intervention. Health doesn't equal medicine, but it's hard to see that from the categories and legislative initiatives thus far.
More constituent visits, more photo ops, more meeting summaries. And this week: Public Health Week and Climate Change. Lots planned...
70 degrees! Dashed home, hopped on the bike, and returned to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry trees in bloom, now fragrant in the breeze. Still crowded, but not as crazy as the weekend, and found my way through East and West Potomac Park again, along a previously undiscovered path along the river past the Kennedy Center, and home a much easier way. This could be a better way of getting to the park for early morning biking. I'm starting to feel as if I really live here!
Two firsts: "dropped" a bill! Literally, that just means walking over to the Senate Democratic cloak room (no cloaks, just some chairs, desk and telephones to talk with Senators who might be in the Senate floor) and handing the staffer the draft bill (two pages, with the Senator's frank - signature from the machine - on the top and staff contact names and phone numbers on the back (including mine!). I called the Senate clerk's office less than one hour later and had the bill number. While I was there, two other office staffers handed in their bills, too. Many bills "dropped" (the House side actually has a hopper to drop the bills into, on the House floor, I believe), very few actually released from committee, fewer still come to a full vote once released from committee, even fewer are passed and are agreed to on the House side and signed by the President. While I don't think this bill will be one of those, it does contribute to the dialogue on the issue. Incremental change.
Since the Senate was in session while I was in the Capitol, I slipped over to the cheap seats and sat in the gallery for a brief time. Stunning room, lots of blue on the walls, busts (of past Senators?) along the wall and an etched glass Senate emblem on the ceiling. One Senator had the floor (talking at the podium), Senator Brown (RI) was presiding, and staff surrounded him on the floor a slight level below. After a few minutes, Senator Mikulski (MD) took over the presiding duties. At this time, since there was no vote scheduled, there were more spectators than Senators and staff in the room.
Had an opportunity to speak with a group of CDC officials being trained on Congressional process. I believe the hope is to increase their efficacy in understanding and working with legislative staff. Public health needs a stronger, clearer voice with federal legislators to encourage "upstream" thinking for prevention rather than treatment, and planning for public health to get to the cost:benefit of early intervention. Health doesn't equal medicine, but it's hard to see that from the categories and legislative initiatives thus far.
More constituent visits, more photo ops, more meeting summaries. And this week: Public Health Week and Climate Change. Lots planned...
70 degrees! Dashed home, hopped on the bike, and returned to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry trees in bloom, now fragrant in the breeze. Still crowded, but not as crazy as the weekend, and found my way through East and West Potomac Park again, along a previously undiscovered path along the river past the Kennedy Center, and home a much easier way. This could be a better way of getting to the park for early morning biking. I'm starting to feel as if I really live here!
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