July 23, 2013

My adventure in DC is quickly coming to an end :( I leave next week and I honestly can't believe it's almost over! This has been such a fantastic and rewarding experience; I can't believe I have to go back to Cleveland! In consolation, I've had a really exciting week! I helped plan and run an event where Congress celebrated Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday!

Also, I attended a committee hearing about sexual assault in the Military. It was very moving for me to hear each military man and woman testify about their experiences. One of the members of the committee had a special connection to this issue and nearly broke in to tears as she heard each testimony. It was a very somber way to end my day. 

I'm really looking forward to my last week! I know this will not be the end of my journey in Washington! I just hope there isn't too long of a hiatus between the end of this internship and the next! (Knowing me, there won't be)

God bless America, 

Ali

July 17, 2013

Last week I attended an exciting press conference by Speaker Boehner. He spoke of the appalling acts by President Obama and Democratic leadership that oppose basic fairness for American families when it comes to ObamaCare's delayed implementation. (you can watch the conference here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nXOyhR9TraM )

The most exciting part of the presser happened behind closed doors! I had a little press conference of my own... As you can see, things got pretty heated. 

Later that same day, I went on a tour of the Pentagon with a girl who lives across the hall from me in my dorm. It was very cool! During the Cold War, the USSR believed there were nuclear weapons hidden at the center of the Pentagon. What I found out on my tour is that those nuclear weapons were actually just a sandwich shop. The picture above is from the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. It honors the 184 lives that were lost at the Pentagon that day.

Yesterday I met with my own congressman, Dave Joyce, and even got a twitter shout out! Before I left his office, I told him to look out for me stealing his seat in a few years...he actually seemed a little nervous.

Legislatively, this week has been CRAZY busy with the exciting passage of the FAARM bill! Also, debate began on giving big business' delays on Obama Care and not to American families who really need it. Talk of immigration reform is still absolutely a buzz all around Capitol Hill. But, it strikes me that this buzz will last quite some time before either side begins to compromise. 

God Bless America, 

Ali

July 10, 2013 (and Fourth of July Weekend)

After a slow week out of session I enjoyed my holiday weekend and came back refreshed!

I spent the Fourth of July (best holiday ever🇺🇸) watching fireworks and the "Capitol Hill Fourth" concert on the Speaker's balcony with my friends, Congressmen and VIP guests of Speaker Boehner. Listening to Neil Diamond preform "Sweet Caroline" at the concert was absolutely amazing! The image of the National Mall light up under the dazzling fireworks that night will be forever ingrained in my memory. My friends kept reminding me that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I continuously assured them that there is no such thing as once-in-a-lifetime experience if they continue to hang out with the right people ;) 

This weekend I finally had some ample time to throw on my tennis shoes and go sight seeing. All of the native Washingtonians will tell you night time is the best time to go see the monuments, and they are right! In this picture I am with my friends at the Roosevelt Memorial!

The last two days The House has been staying late, like 1am late, trying to pass an appropriations bill that will fund clean water, energy development and additional research. Above is a hearing where the House Rules Committee decided to make the bill an open rule (which means members are able to offer amendments to the bill prior to it's passage).  

Tuesday, I helped the press team at a GOP press conference. I held the microphone while the reporters asked hard hitting questions. You can watch the press conference at http://www.speaker.gov/video/boehner-if-businesses-get-relief-obamacare-rest-america-should-too and imagine my head right below the camera (unfortunately you can't see it): 

I also helped print and send a letter to the president! (I can't really tell you what it was about, though)

The House Republican Conference has hosting a lectures series where members of the Republican Leadership address and have an open forum with the Summer interns. Last week the speaker was Paul Ryan and this week it was Eric Cantor! I got this picture right off Vice Chairman Lyn Jenkins' twitter page! (I know, I'm basically famous). Sometimes working in The Speaker's office has it's perks, like sitting front row. 

But really, the highlight of my week was when Speaker Boehner walked past my desk to leave the office and said to me, "Okay Ali, I'm leaving you in control". Since then he hasn't asked for the control back, so watch out everyone.. I'm basically still the third most power person in the country. 

God Bless America, 

Ali 

July 1, 2013

Finally I can die happy because Paul Ryan tweeted about me !!!! <3

God Bless America (and Paul Ryan),

Ali