Today was my last day working in the DC office. Although I had a good time in DC, I am looking forward to coming home.
Fridays tend to be quiet. This is because most representatives will be heading home for the weekend. Therefore, there were no House committee or subcommittee meetings for me to attend.
However, the House was in session, and because I had some extra time, I got a gallery pass and went up to see what was going on. There were not many members of Congress on the floor, and the main activity was colloquy between House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer regarding the schedule and when the House would be meeting the following week.
I spent the rest of my time finishing work on a summary from the previous day, as well as another miscellaneous project I had started in the local office.
I have learned so much here, and I am very appreciative of the DC office staff not only for guiding me and helping me learn, but also helping me grow as a person.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
9-8-2016: Foreign Affairs and Foreign Interests
The first thing I did this morning was attend the House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing entitled “Reforming the National Security Council: Efficiency and Accountability.” It was a full committee hearing whose main purpose was to discuss the alarming increase in size of the White House National Security Council (NSC), and the overwhelming bipartisan concerns regarding decreased congressional oversight in the United States’ foreign policy.
The meeting was eye-opening, as I knew nothing about the White House National Security Council prior to the hearing. Additionally, this meeting seemed to have the similar bipartisan, collaborative feel that was present in yesterday’s South Sudan hearing. In order to write my summary of the hearing, I had to do some more research on the NSC.
After lunch, I got to take the formal tour of the Capitol. This was more for me to learn, rather than me working for the staff. However, all interns in Ms. Kaptur’s office a required to take the tour, and even though I had already taken the tour, it was wonderful being able to see all of the important parts of the Capitol again, now more than twice as many years old compared to when I first toured the Capitol, as well as understanding more, given the fact that I learned so much in my history and social studies classes at Maumee Valley (many thanks to Mr. Cambisios and Mr. Green, 11th grade and 8th grade American history teachers). It also reminded me about the times during which our country’s stability has been tested its 240 years of existence, and this made me feel more even thankful toward the important individuals in history who protected the country so that we could have a functioning government and society today. Unfortunately, it took me almost a half hour just to get back to the office from my tour because I got lost several times attempting to navigate the Capitol Complex’s tunnel system.
The last thing I did today was attend the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific hearing entitled “Asia’s Growing Hunger for Energy: U.S. Policy and Supply Opportunities.” The main subject of the hearing was how developing Asian countries can find good, clean energy that they can depend on.
I liked my afternoon hearing because the subject was completely new to me. As I’ve already stated, my interests include foreign affairs, and although I do know about U.S. energy needs and U.S. foreign interests, I have never really thought about Asian energy needs, nor have I thought about what the U.S. can do to develop economic interests in Asia that specifically pertain to energy, so it was a very interesting meeting.
Tomorrow, my list of things to do includes finishing my summaries for the staffers.
The meeting was eye-opening, as I knew nothing about the White House National Security Council prior to the hearing. Additionally, this meeting seemed to have the similar bipartisan, collaborative feel that was present in yesterday’s South Sudan hearing. In order to write my summary of the hearing, I had to do some more research on the NSC.
After lunch, I got to take the formal tour of the Capitol. This was more for me to learn, rather than me working for the staff. However, all interns in Ms. Kaptur’s office a required to take the tour, and even though I had already taken the tour, it was wonderful being able to see all of the important parts of the Capitol again, now more than twice as many years old compared to when I first toured the Capitol, as well as understanding more, given the fact that I learned so much in my history and social studies classes at Maumee Valley (many thanks to Mr. Cambisios and Mr. Green, 11th grade and 8th grade American history teachers). It also reminded me about the times during which our country’s stability has been tested its 240 years of existence, and this made me feel more even thankful toward the important individuals in history who protected the country so that we could have a functioning government and society today. Unfortunately, it took me almost a half hour just to get back to the office from my tour because I got lost several times attempting to navigate the Capitol Complex’s tunnel system.
The last thing I did today was attend the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific hearing entitled “Asia’s Growing Hunger for Energy: U.S. Policy and Supply Opportunities.” The main subject of the hearing was how developing Asian countries can find good, clean energy that they can depend on.
I liked my afternoon hearing because the subject was completely new to me. As I’ve already stated, my interests include foreign affairs, and although I do know about U.S. energy needs and U.S. foreign interests, I have never really thought about Asian energy needs, nor have I thought about what the U.S. can do to develop economic interests in Asia that specifically pertain to energy, so it was a very interesting meeting.
Tomorrow, my list of things to do includes finishing my summaries for the staffers.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
9-7-2016: Committee Hearings
My second day in DC was very fast paced and exciting! I had the opportunity to learn several different things in my own interest areas, as well as explore and do follow up research to give myself a better understanding of the topics.
This morning, I attended two meetings at the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The first one was entitled “Possible motions to subpoena information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” The purpose of this committee meeting was to potentially issue a subpoena on the Department of Veterans Affairs to find out more information as to where money has been spent in light of several Veterans Health Administration (VHA) scandals since 2014. Ranking Member Mark Takano expressed his primary concern that any subpoena issued should protect past and future whistleblowers. Despite these concerns, the subpoena was passed. The thing that surprised me was the attitude of Chairman Jeff Miller, which seemed impatient and unwilling to listen, saying that the majority party would pass the motion for the subpoena whether or not the minority party agreed.
Immediately after the first meeting was a hearing entitled “From Tumult to Transformation: The Commission on Care and the Future of the VA Healthcare System.” It featured two health care management professionals who served as the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Commission on Care, a group of individuals authorized by the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to make recommendations as to how the VHA can improve. Both individuals testified before the committee with the Commission’s findings and answered questions from the committee members.
I liked these two meetings because they gave me a sense as to how work proceeds on Capitol Hill: in small committees with extensive discussion, research, and debate to ensure that the best conclusion was found. I also realized how slow the process can be; for example, the Commission on Care has been spent almost a year doing research and finding solutions.
After attending a meeting, I went back to the office to write what had happened in the meeting. I would send then send the summary to the legislative assistant who works in the same interest area as the subject of the meeting. In other words, my assignment is to write summaries about what happens in the meetings so that the legislative assistants can stay on top of new developments in their respective areas of interest.
After lunch, I attended another hearing. This time, it was for the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations. This hearing was entitled “The Growing Crisis in South Sudan.” The primary witness in this hearing was Ambassador Donald Booth, the Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan. Ambassador Booth gave an update on the situation in South Sudan, with human rights abuses, attacks on aid workers and U.S. diplomats, and widespread civil violence, as well as potential solutions and how the U.S. should move forward in its foreign policy with South Sudan. I also wrote a summary about this meeting when I returned to the office.
A major difference I noticed in this meeting compared to the meetings I attended this morning is that both the Chairman and Ranking Member (from opposite parties) agreed on the facts. There was no doubt about the topic of discussion, and some of the congress members even brought up the same points made by the members of the opposite party. This hearing was somewhat more engaging than the one I attended this morning, as international relations and foreign affairs are very interesting to me, and at this point, this is the major I would like to declare in college.
It was not easy writing the summaries, as it was my first time ever attending house committee meetings. Because the Capitol Complex is so big, it took me almost ten minutes just to get to the first meeting! Furthermore, it wasn’t always easy to hear what was going on, given the fact that the witnesses sat facing the committee members, and what they said wasn’t always clear. Tomorrow, the legislative assistant will give me feedback on the summaries I have written thus far.
In addition to that, I will be attending more House committee hearings, writing summaries of those hearings, and taking the full, formal tour of the Capitol! I am satisfied with the work I have done so far, and I hope there are many more interesting things for me to do!
This morning, I attended two meetings at the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The first one was entitled “Possible motions to subpoena information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” The purpose of this committee meeting was to potentially issue a subpoena on the Department of Veterans Affairs to find out more information as to where money has been spent in light of several Veterans Health Administration (VHA) scandals since 2014. Ranking Member Mark Takano expressed his primary concern that any subpoena issued should protect past and future whistleblowers. Despite these concerns, the subpoena was passed. The thing that surprised me was the attitude of Chairman Jeff Miller, which seemed impatient and unwilling to listen, saying that the majority party would pass the motion for the subpoena whether or not the minority party agreed.
Immediately after the first meeting was a hearing entitled “From Tumult to Transformation: The Commission on Care and the Future of the VA Healthcare System.” It featured two health care management professionals who served as the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Commission on Care, a group of individuals authorized by the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to make recommendations as to how the VHA can improve. Both individuals testified before the committee with the Commission’s findings and answered questions from the committee members.
I liked these two meetings because they gave me a sense as to how work proceeds on Capitol Hill: in small committees with extensive discussion, research, and debate to ensure that the best conclusion was found. I also realized how slow the process can be; for example, the Commission on Care has been spent almost a year doing research and finding solutions.
After attending a meeting, I went back to the office to write what had happened in the meeting. I would send then send the summary to the legislative assistant who works in the same interest area as the subject of the meeting. In other words, my assignment is to write summaries about what happens in the meetings so that the legislative assistants can stay on top of new developments in their respective areas of interest.
After lunch, I attended another hearing. This time, it was for the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations. This hearing was entitled “The Growing Crisis in South Sudan.” The primary witness in this hearing was Ambassador Donald Booth, the Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan. Ambassador Booth gave an update on the situation in South Sudan, with human rights abuses, attacks on aid workers and U.S. diplomats, and widespread civil violence, as well as potential solutions and how the U.S. should move forward in its foreign policy with South Sudan. I also wrote a summary about this meeting when I returned to the office.
A major difference I noticed in this meeting compared to the meetings I attended this morning is that both the Chairman and Ranking Member (from opposite parties) agreed on the facts. There was no doubt about the topic of discussion, and some of the congress members even brought up the same points made by the members of the opposite party. This hearing was somewhat more engaging than the one I attended this morning, as international relations and foreign affairs are very interesting to me, and at this point, this is the major I would like to declare in college.
It was not easy writing the summaries, as it was my first time ever attending house committee meetings. Because the Capitol Complex is so big, it took me almost ten minutes just to get to the first meeting! Furthermore, it wasn’t always easy to hear what was going on, given the fact that the witnesses sat facing the committee members, and what they said wasn’t always clear. Tomorrow, the legislative assistant will give me feedback on the summaries I have written thus far.
In addition to that, I will be attending more House committee hearings, writing summaries of those hearings, and taking the full, formal tour of the Capitol! I am satisfied with the work I have done so far, and I hope there are many more interesting things for me to do!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
9-6-2016: Exploration and Brainstorming
Today was my first day in Congresswoman Kaptur’s DC office, located in the Rayburn House Office Building.
Although there is some overlap between the district and DC offices, the DC office tends to work independently of the district offices. The only staff member that works in both offices is the chief of staff. Although there were some projects that I worked on in the district office that pertained to the DC office, they had very little to do with work that takes place at the local level.
I spent a good part of my day continuing to explore background information, news, and best practices regarding the subject of the bill that Congresswoman Kaptur is trying to introduce by the end of the month. I read several extensive articles as to better familiarize myself with this topic. I already read through the bill late last week; now, the assignment to me is to brainstorm creative ways to “brand” the bill in an effort to make it catchier. I will be collaborating with the legislative assistant who is working with the bill, and will report back to him with all of the ideas I will have come up with by the end of the week. I also did some research on Ms. Kaptur’s legislative history, reading some of the bills that she has introduced over the course of her seventeen terms in Congress.
I am excited to learn everything I can be a good intern to the staff in the next few days working at this office. I am looking forward to the opportunity to attend some hearings of interest, as well as take a formal tour of the Capitol.
On a completely unrelated note, I’ve had a lot of fun touring DC over Labor Day weekend! I was able to visit many museums and monuments that I had visited in eighth grade, as well as new places that I had not seen. It was especially fun after having taken AP United States History!
Only three more days…
Although there is some overlap between the district and DC offices, the DC office tends to work independently of the district offices. The only staff member that works in both offices is the chief of staff. Although there were some projects that I worked on in the district office that pertained to the DC office, they had very little to do with work that takes place at the local level.
I spent a good part of my day continuing to explore background information, news, and best practices regarding the subject of the bill that Congresswoman Kaptur is trying to introduce by the end of the month. I read several extensive articles as to better familiarize myself with this topic. I already read through the bill late last week; now, the assignment to me is to brainstorm creative ways to “brand” the bill in an effort to make it catchier. I will be collaborating with the legislative assistant who is working with the bill, and will report back to him with all of the ideas I will have come up with by the end of the week. I also did some research on Ms. Kaptur’s legislative history, reading some of the bills that she has introduced over the course of her seventeen terms in Congress.
I am excited to learn everything I can be a good intern to the staff in the next few days working at this office. I am looking forward to the opportunity to attend some hearings of interest, as well as take a formal tour of the Capitol.
On a completely unrelated note, I’ve had a lot of fun touring DC over Labor Day weekend! I was able to visit many museums and monuments that I had visited in eighth grade, as well as new places that I had not seen. It was especially fun after having taken AP United States History!
Only three more days…
Friday, September 2, 2016
9-2-2016: From District to DC
Today was my last day working in the local office. In the Toledo office, I didn’t realize how important the work in the local office really is. I’m glad to have been able to assist the congressional assistants with their work by taking on several projects over the course of my two weeks. But more importantly, I’ve learned a lot about working in an office setting, what Ohio’s ninth congressional district has to offer, and many of the current issues that affect Congresswoman Kaptur’s constituents.
I am very thankful for all of the help and guidance that the staff in the Toledo office has given me, and I am very much looking forward to my short time in the DC office!
I am very thankful for all of the help and guidance that the staff in the Toledo office has given me, and I am very much looking forward to my short time in the DC office!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
9-1-2016: Legislation: A Sneak Peek
Today, I spent time familiarizing myself with a draft of a bill. This is so I will be prepared to work with the draft when I arrive in DC next week.
It was not easy actually reading the draft of the bill. After I read the bill from start to finish (and had a basic understanding of what it hopes to achieve), I reviewed the legislative summary. This is basically a summary of the goal and intent of the bill; in other words, it’s a Sparknotes version of the bill. It seems as if the legislative summary is used as an outline to then write the bill using more formal, legal language.
After reading the bill contacted the legislative assistant in the DC office responsible for working on the draft with Ms. Kaptur. We discussed the bill and its purpose, as well as talk about a potential project for me next week. At this point, it seems like my project will be researching more about this issue and drafting a short informational piece about it. I spent the rest of my morning reading about this issue using materials I received from the legislative assistant in DC.
It was very interesting that I got to see a local activity earlier this week that was related to the bill, and I know that these activities would become easier for individuals across the country if the bill were to pass. It’s also surprising to find out that this bill has been in the works for years, and that we’re hoping it will be introduced by the end of the month. I’m excited to see more of this bill and other legislative activities next week!
In my time that I didn’t have other assignments or tasks to complete for the office, I did some research regarding the Congresswoman’s legislative record and history.
I learned that one of the most important bills the Congresswoman has sponsored was the legislation that established the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Although the bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993, the memorial wasn’t opened until 2004, and even then, the history of the monument extends even many years before the bill was passed. It all began when a constituent first reached out to Ms. Kaptur with the idea in 1987 when the two were at a fish fry. Ms. Kaptur began working on this, introducing legislation to establish the memorial in 1987, 1989, and 1991. It required a lot of work with other federal agencies to work out all logistics for the memorial, not to mention that very little federal funds were allocated to the project. This is just one example of Ms. Kaptur’s accomplishments during her seventeen terms in Congress.
I am much more comfortable now than when I started on my first day with no idea what to expect. Now, I have no fear of asking for clarifications when I’m working on a project. Although today was a slower day with fewer assignments, I’m glad that I had some time to explore resources on my own and I am even more excited about next week in DC!
It was not easy actually reading the draft of the bill. After I read the bill from start to finish (and had a basic understanding of what it hopes to achieve), I reviewed the legislative summary. This is basically a summary of the goal and intent of the bill; in other words, it’s a Sparknotes version of the bill. It seems as if the legislative summary is used as an outline to then write the bill using more formal, legal language.
After reading the bill contacted the legislative assistant in the DC office responsible for working on the draft with Ms. Kaptur. We discussed the bill and its purpose, as well as talk about a potential project for me next week. At this point, it seems like my project will be researching more about this issue and drafting a short informational piece about it. I spent the rest of my morning reading about this issue using materials I received from the legislative assistant in DC.
It was very interesting that I got to see a local activity earlier this week that was related to the bill, and I know that these activities would become easier for individuals across the country if the bill were to pass. It’s also surprising to find out that this bill has been in the works for years, and that we’re hoping it will be introduced by the end of the month. I’m excited to see more of this bill and other legislative activities next week!
In my time that I didn’t have other assignments or tasks to complete for the office, I did some research regarding the Congresswoman’s legislative record and history.
I learned that one of the most important bills the Congresswoman has sponsored was the legislation that established the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Although the bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993, the memorial wasn’t opened until 2004, and even then, the history of the monument extends even many years before the bill was passed. It all began when a constituent first reached out to Ms. Kaptur with the idea in 1987 when the two were at a fish fry. Ms. Kaptur began working on this, introducing legislation to establish the memorial in 1987, 1989, and 1991. It required a lot of work with other federal agencies to work out all logistics for the memorial, not to mention that very little federal funds were allocated to the project. This is just one example of Ms. Kaptur’s accomplishments during her seventeen terms in Congress.
I am much more comfortable now than when I started on my first day with no idea what to expect. Now, I have no fear of asking for clarifications when I’m working on a project. Although today was a slower day with fewer assignments, I’m glad that I had some time to explore resources on my own and I am even more excited about next week in DC!
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
8-31-2016: Research Methods
Today, I finished my project that I had started on Friday that had to do with economic conditions in different regions across the country. Although the work was time consuming, extremely detail oriented, and rather tedious, I felt good having completed the assignment to the best of my ability and to the approval of the staffer who is coordinating all of the smaller pieces of the larger project.
I started a new project that required me to research the history of a certain form of advertising used for a specific type of product utilized by consumers across the country. I used the research skills I have learned at Maumee Valley and in elementary school: finding relevant resources, evaluating them for credibility, correlating the claims in a source to other sources, taking notes, and synthesizing information to write a short summary requested by the legislative assistant.
I was surprised with what I had learned in different ways: that companies can get around government agencies’ rules through bizarre loopholes, how this form of advertising has dramatically changed in the past decade or so, and the potential risks of this advertising practice, just to name a few of the things that surprised me.
I felt that I was more careful than normal while working on this project; for example, if I were to cite incorrect information in a class, I might be able to get away with it if the instructor doesn’t realize this error. But if my work is released to the public and there is something wrong with it, the blame would go directly on the Congresswoman, which could potentially result in more serious consequences with more wide-reaching effects. Once again, as a staff member of the office of a U.S. representative, my job is to ultimately represent that representative.
At this point, I am caught up with all of the projects and tasks I have been assigned (yay!), so I have no idea what’s next for me in my last two days in the local office!
I started a new project that required me to research the history of a certain form of advertising used for a specific type of product utilized by consumers across the country. I used the research skills I have learned at Maumee Valley and in elementary school: finding relevant resources, evaluating them for credibility, correlating the claims in a source to other sources, taking notes, and synthesizing information to write a short summary requested by the legislative assistant.
I was surprised with what I had learned in different ways: that companies can get around government agencies’ rules through bizarre loopholes, how this form of advertising has dramatically changed in the past decade or so, and the potential risks of this advertising practice, just to name a few of the things that surprised me.
I felt that I was more careful than normal while working on this project; for example, if I were to cite incorrect information in a class, I might be able to get away with it if the instructor doesn’t realize this error. But if my work is released to the public and there is something wrong with it, the blame would go directly on the Congresswoman, which could potentially result in more serious consequences with more wide-reaching effects. Once again, as a staff member of the office of a U.S. representative, my job is to ultimately represent that representative.
At this point, I am caught up with all of the projects and tasks I have been assigned (yay!), so I have no idea what’s next for me in my last two days in the local office!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
8-30-2016: Investigative Research, Part 2
Today, I continued my research project on economic conditions across the country. Although I was confused with it in the beginning, I feel very good about where I am right now, and I expect to be completely done with the first phase of the project no later than tomorrow morning.
As I had somewhat stated in my previous blog post, the purpose of my research I’m doing is so that the Congresswoman and her staffers can get a better grasp of these issues that I’m currently investigating. My research will help everyone in the office stay more up-to-date on this issue. My findings from my project have already shocked me on many different levels, and I am confident that we will find the outcome that we predicted. I would have never thought of these possibilities prior to being given this project, and it has opened my mind to think differently and challenge my limits of curiosity.
I hate to say this, but I’m not sure if I could see myself as a congressional staffer. Although there are interesting parts of the job, based on what I’ve seen, there is also quite a bit of tedious work that one can’t avoid.
I chose this independent study to learn more about the role of congressional representatives and their offices, but I think I may have been hoping to spend more time meeting with constituents than I actually did. Of course, I am learning in everything that I’m doing, and I do not have any regrets of deciding to pursue this independent study option. Perhaps my work would be more interesting if I had more time to spend in one office rather than only working in the district office for a week in a half and working in the DC office for a week. But I have had many good experiences so far during my first five days, and I’m sure that everything ahead will be even better.
As I had somewhat stated in my previous blog post, the purpose of my research I’m doing is so that the Congresswoman and her staffers can get a better grasp of these issues that I’m currently investigating. My research will help everyone in the office stay more up-to-date on this issue. My findings from my project have already shocked me on many different levels, and I am confident that we will find the outcome that we predicted. I would have never thought of these possibilities prior to being given this project, and it has opened my mind to think differently and challenge my limits of curiosity.
I hate to say this, but I’m not sure if I could see myself as a congressional staffer. Although there are interesting parts of the job, based on what I’ve seen, there is also quite a bit of tedious work that one can’t avoid.
I chose this independent study to learn more about the role of congressional representatives and their offices, but I think I may have been hoping to spend more time meeting with constituents than I actually did. Of course, I am learning in everything that I’m doing, and I do not have any regrets of deciding to pursue this independent study option. Perhaps my work would be more interesting if I had more time to spend in one office rather than only working in the district office for a week in a half and working in the DC office for a week. But I have had many good experiences so far during my first five days, and I’m sure that everything ahead will be even better.
Monday, August 29, 2016
8-29-2016: Investigative Research, Part 1
I spent most of today doing working on two different research projects. All of the projects I’m working on were assigned by a different staff member, each with his or her own distinct area of interest. Most staffers specialize in a few areas of interest and will usually assist constituents with issues in those similar areas of interest. In one way or another, each project involves important issues that not only affects citizens of Ohio’s ninth congressional district, but citizens across the United States. Even if my research doesn’t end up getting used for legislative purposes, congressional aides and legislative assistants can still use my work and findings to stay on track with current events. One conclusion I’ve made: reading news articles about people who have died can become depressing when this is the only thing I’m doing for half of the day.
The first project I worked on today was to see how the region is affected by companies who relocate by researching information on the Trade Adjustment Act. My second project involves researching economic conditions in several areas across the country.
Unfortunately, there really isn’t much else to say; I intend to continue working on these projects tomorrow.
The first project I worked on today was to see how the region is affected by companies who relocate by researching information on the Trade Adjustment Act. My second project involves researching economic conditions in several areas across the country.
Unfortunately, there really isn’t much else to say; I intend to continue working on these projects tomorrow.
Friday, August 26, 2016
8-26-2016: Community Outreach: Toledo Grows and Naturalization Ceremony
Today, Jane and I visited the community garden at Toledo GROWs. Toledo GROWs has an urban agriculture program that is supported by a local private partnership and federal funds. Congresswoman Kaptur worked hard to direct federal funds to this program, so we visited the garden today just to check and see how they’re doing.
Today, individuals from the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center, an organization located in South Toledo, used the garden’s facilities to harvest honey from bees. The hives are located at the Sofia Quintero Center. With help from a local expert in beekeeping, we watched members of the organization extract the honey from the honeycombs into a large container. Most of the honey will go to the organization, and any surplus honey is sold.
Our visit was a good example of showing a connection between the Congresswoman’s work in the district and her work in the House. Ms. Kaptur is a proponent of urban agriculture in general because it gives good, nutritious food to those who may not be able to obtain it in a different way. She is currently in the process of crafting a bill that pertains to urban agriculture. Her support for Toledo GROWs is an example of her work for projects at the local level, whereas her new bill is an example of her work in the House.
Closer to lunchtime, Theresa and I attended a naturalization ceremony at the federal courthouse in Downtown Toledo. The presiding judge was the Honorable Jeffrey J. Helmick, federal judge at the United States District Court for the Western Division of the Northern District of Ohio.
We attended the ceremony as special guests to congratulate the citizenship applicants on becoming citizens of the United States. After a guest speaker and several remarks from the judge, individuals took the oath of citizenship and received their certificates. Many special guests were in attendance, including staff members from both senators’ offices, a staff member from another U.S. congressional representative’s office, and several leaders from community organizations across the court’s jurisdiction. All of us then lined up to shake the hand of each individual, now a citizen of the United States. It is a very joyous event for everyone.
One of the nice things about attending the naturalization ceremony was seeing everyone whom I had met in January 2015 for my independent study of the American judicial system, Perspectives: The American Justice System [link goes here]. It was also interesting attending the naturalization ceremony as a representative of the Congresswoman’s office, as it carries a perspective different from the one I had during my independent study of the American judicial system. While the court swears in the new citizens, many citizens request help from congressional representatives and their offices in regards to completing the paperwork. Paperwork and documentation isn’t always easy, and in addition to tests that applicants must pass, it can even take many years for everything to be approved. This is one reason as to why the work of congressional offices is so important.
Today, individuals from the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center, an organization located in South Toledo, used the garden’s facilities to harvest honey from bees. The hives are located at the Sofia Quintero Center. With help from a local expert in beekeeping, we watched members of the organization extract the honey from the honeycombs into a large container. Most of the honey will go to the organization, and any surplus honey is sold.
Our visit was a good example of showing a connection between the Congresswoman’s work in the district and her work in the House. Ms. Kaptur is a proponent of urban agriculture in general because it gives good, nutritious food to those who may not be able to obtain it in a different way. She is currently in the process of crafting a bill that pertains to urban agriculture. Her support for Toledo GROWs is an example of her work for projects at the local level, whereas her new bill is an example of her work in the House.
Closer to lunchtime, Theresa and I attended a naturalization ceremony at the federal courthouse in Downtown Toledo. The presiding judge was the Honorable Jeffrey J. Helmick, federal judge at the United States District Court for the Western Division of the Northern District of Ohio.
We attended the ceremony as special guests to congratulate the citizenship applicants on becoming citizens of the United States. After a guest speaker and several remarks from the judge, individuals took the oath of citizenship and received their certificates. Many special guests were in attendance, including staff members from both senators’ offices, a staff member from another U.S. congressional representative’s office, and several leaders from community organizations across the court’s jurisdiction. All of us then lined up to shake the hand of each individual, now a citizen of the United States. It is a very joyous event for everyone.
One of the nice things about attending the naturalization ceremony was seeing everyone whom I had met in January 2015 for my independent study of the American judicial system, Perspectives: The American Justice System [link goes here]. It was also interesting attending the naturalization ceremony as a representative of the Congresswoman’s office, as it carries a perspective different from the one I had during my independent study of the American judicial system. While the court swears in the new citizens, many citizens request help from congressional representatives and their offices in regards to completing the paperwork. Paperwork and documentation isn’t always easy, and in addition to tests that applicants must pass, it can even take many years for everything to be approved. This is one reason as to why the work of congressional offices is so important.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
8-25-2016: Community Outreach: NASA and University of Toledo
Today, I went with Jane Ruvolo, a congressional staffer in the Toledo office, to Sandusky, Ohio. We took a private tour of some facilities at the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Plum Brook Station with staff and administration from the University of Toledo.
We had a chance to visit three of the facilities: the Electric Aircraft Testbed, the Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B-2), and the Space Power Facility (SPF). We had time to take a brief tour of the latter two facilities and learn what they have to offer.
B-2 houses the world’s largest thermal vacuum propulsion test facility. This is used for simulations for hydrogen powered rockets and other types of rockets.
SPF contains a different thermal vacuum facility that allows users to test rocket engines and launches for structural stability and safety of passengers onboard. Both facilities have tested many rockets of different types.
So why did we visit today? Both NASA and the University of Toledo have facilities located in the Ohio’s ninth congressional district, and these are not only important to Congresswoman Kaptur, but also to her constituents and the continued development and success of the district as a whole. Today, our goal was to learn about the facilities at NASA’s Plum Brook Station so we can be informed about current developments and new research. This is important as a congressional office so we can be aware of what’s going on in our district, and so that we can connect potential federal grant opportunities to NASA and the University of Toledo, in order to support their work, which indirectly benefits our district as a whole by creating investments and jobs.
We also learned that NASA is engaging with educational institutions and private companies in order to increase public relations and awareness. NASA partners with educational institutions (such as high schools and universities), and this helps both because educational institutions want to expand their programs and opportunities available to students, and NASA wants to improve its public relations and brand image. An example of this type of partnership is with the University of Toledo; this was the main reason for the visit today. NASA also partners with private companies because private companies need facilities to conduct tests with large equipment, and NASA would receive payment for use of the facilities. Again, these types of development benefit the district.
In another sense, our visit is also interesting because we get to see where and how constituent tax dollars are being spent. But in regards to actually learning about the details and capabilities of the facilities, it was very difficult to understand what was being discussed! As most of the visitors were from the University of Toledo College of Engineering, they asked many specific questions about advanced, intricate technologies that I don’t know anything about. Nevertheless, the visit was worthwhile, as I got to explore something that I had not previously known about, meet staff and administrators from both the University of Toledo and NASA, and act as a representative of the Congresswoman and her office.
NASA Plum Brook Station Front Building in Sandusky, Ohio
We had a chance to visit three of the facilities: the Electric Aircraft Testbed, the Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B-2), and the Space Power Facility (SPF). We had time to take a brief tour of the latter two facilities and learn what they have to offer.
Touring with representatives from the University of Toledo
B-2 houses the world’s largest thermal vacuum propulsion test facility. This is used for simulations for hydrogen powered rockets and other types of rockets.
A look into the chamber at B-2
SPF contains a different thermal vacuum facility that allows users to test rocket engines and launches for structural stability and safety of passengers onboard. Both facilities have tested many rockets of different types.
Thermal Vacuum Facility at SPF
Control Room at SPF
So why did we visit today? Both NASA and the University of Toledo have facilities located in the Ohio’s ninth congressional district, and these are not only important to Congresswoman Kaptur, but also to her constituents and the continued development and success of the district as a whole. Today, our goal was to learn about the facilities at NASA’s Plum Brook Station so we can be informed about current developments and new research. This is important as a congressional office so we can be aware of what’s going on in our district, and so that we can connect potential federal grant opportunities to NASA and the University of Toledo, in order to support their work, which indirectly benefits our district as a whole by creating investments and jobs.
We also learned that NASA is engaging with educational institutions and private companies in order to increase public relations and awareness. NASA partners with educational institutions (such as high schools and universities), and this helps both because educational institutions want to expand their programs and opportunities available to students, and NASA wants to improve its public relations and brand image. An example of this type of partnership is with the University of Toledo; this was the main reason for the visit today. NASA also partners with private companies because private companies need facilities to conduct tests with large equipment, and NASA would receive payment for use of the facilities. Again, these types of development benefit the district.
Me with Dave Stringer, Director of the NASA Plum Brook Station
In another sense, our visit is also interesting because we get to see where and how constituent tax dollars are being spent. But in regards to actually learning about the details and capabilities of the facilities, it was very difficult to understand what was being discussed! As most of the visitors were from the University of Toledo College of Engineering, they asked many specific questions about advanced, intricate technologies that I don’t know anything about. Nevertheless, the visit was worthwhile, as I got to explore something that I had not previously known about, meet staff and administrators from both the University of Toledo and NASA, and act as a representative of the Congresswoman and her office.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
8-24-2016: The First Day
Today was my first day as an intern in Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s district office in Toledo, Ohio. Throughout the day, I had to mentally adjust myself to a new working environment; however, I’m sure I’ll feel comfortable by the end of the internship.
After talking about the office, the role of a United States House Representative, and my own interests with the internship coordinator, Theresa Morris, one of the first tasks I had was to sort messages from constituents.
Most Congress members receive messages from their constituents. Congress members must answer to their constituents; after all, their job is to represent them. Congressional offices receive opinions and ideas from citizens of the district, and members of Congress use what they learn to guide them in how they decide to vote. Constituents may express their opinion through written letters, phone calls, or emails to the office.
However, in order to assist constituents, the office must first know whether or not the individual resides in the congresswoman’s district (in this case, Ohio’s ninth congressional district). The office cannot assist individuals who live outside the district because it would be disrespectful to the other representatives of their own districts. In other words, assisting with casework of an individual who resides outside of the district would come across as overstepping boundaries, barging into another representative’s district. This policy is called congressional courtesy.
My project today was to do some research for Theresa regarding the heroin and opiate addiction epidemic; the problem affects individuals across the ninth district, the office is trying to raise awareness about addiction being a disease, and move away from the mindset that it is a flaw in the addict. I spent a lot of time looking for articles with scientific research on the effect of drugs on the brain, how society views addiction, as well as some solutions to treating this epidemic.
Finally, I spent some time reading a list of news articles selected by one of the staffers. These articles may pertain to current events in the district, interests of the Congresswoman, or even a mention of the Congresswoman herself. All staffers are expected to read all news articles.
I really like this policy of required reading, and here’s why: many constituents have problems caused by current issues, and they turn to the Congresswoman for help. It would be difficult for the Congresswoman and her staffers to help constituents without knowing what else is going on. Additionally, Theresa mentioned that one of the important things about the office was having real people who are in touch with the district, and without knowing what’s going on in the district, it would be very easy to become insincere or lose touch with constituents. Finally, I also think that this required reading is good because some articles may express people’s opinions on certain issues or topics, and the goal for Congresswoman Kaptur and her staffers is to understand its constituents so the Congresswoman can better represent them.
Even though I’m just an intern among the many staff members across the Congresswoman’s multiple offices, I realize that we all represent Marcy Kaptur. Any behavior that is less than courteous, polite, and professional not only reflects badly on the office, but the Congresswoman herself.
Although today was a little slower paced, there are many events and activities planned that will involve interacting with constituents or improving Congresswoman Kaptur's district. I’m very excited for what’s ahead of me!
Me, sitting at my desk in the Toledo office
After talking about the office, the role of a United States House Representative, and my own interests with the internship coordinator, Theresa Morris, one of the first tasks I had was to sort messages from constituents.
Most Congress members receive messages from their constituents. Congress members must answer to their constituents; after all, their job is to represent them. Congressional offices receive opinions and ideas from citizens of the district, and members of Congress use what they learn to guide them in how they decide to vote. Constituents may express their opinion through written letters, phone calls, or emails to the office.
However, in order to assist constituents, the office must first know whether or not the individual resides in the congresswoman’s district (in this case, Ohio’s ninth congressional district). The office cannot assist individuals who live outside the district because it would be disrespectful to the other representatives of their own districts. In other words, assisting with casework of an individual who resides outside of the district would come across as overstepping boundaries, barging into another representative’s district. This policy is called congressional courtesy.
My project today was to do some research for Theresa regarding the heroin and opiate addiction epidemic; the problem affects individuals across the ninth district, the office is trying to raise awareness about addiction being a disease, and move away from the mindset that it is a flaw in the addict. I spent a lot of time looking for articles with scientific research on the effect of drugs on the brain, how society views addiction, as well as some solutions to treating this epidemic.
Finally, I spent some time reading a list of news articles selected by one of the staffers. These articles may pertain to current events in the district, interests of the Congresswoman, or even a mention of the Congresswoman herself. All staffers are expected to read all news articles.
I really like this policy of required reading, and here’s why: many constituents have problems caused by current issues, and they turn to the Congresswoman for help. It would be difficult for the Congresswoman and her staffers to help constituents without knowing what else is going on. Additionally, Theresa mentioned that one of the important things about the office was having real people who are in touch with the district, and without knowing what’s going on in the district, it would be very easy to become insincere or lose touch with constituents. Finally, I also think that this required reading is good because some articles may express people’s opinions on certain issues or topics, and the goal for Congresswoman Kaptur and her staffers is to understand its constituents so the Congresswoman can better represent them.
Even though I’m just an intern among the many staff members across the Congresswoman’s multiple offices, I realize that we all represent Marcy Kaptur. Any behavior that is less than courteous, polite, and professional not only reflects badly on the office, but the Congresswoman herself.
Although today was a little slower paced, there are many events and activities planned that will involve interacting with constituents or improving Congresswoman Kaptur's district. I’m very excited for what’s ahead of me!
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