Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Family Visit

People who complain that Congress doesn’t do anything should come spend a day with me on the Senate committee I am fortunate to serve on. Last week was even more fast and furious than I have previously described much of my time there. In preparation for the “Mark-up” hearing where proposed legislation is packaged and presented to the full committee, so as to have the best chance to pass the full Senate once it reaches the floor for debate on its merits and a vote. Fortunately, were able to include enough provisions of proposed legislation to satisfy the members of the committee, that (with notable exception) the bills were sent to the floor by unanimous approval. That made the Chairman very happy. More importantly, the proposed legislation will make a huge difference in the lives of those who are most deserving of the medical, monetary and social benefits in the legislation.

Better still was the arrival this week of my parents and daughter from Washington State, none of whom have ever been to Washington, D.C. Another benefit of working in Congress is the ability to give a VIP tour of the Capitol buildings. My family was quite pleased. They have also been able to meet a number of my fellow AAPD interns, and had great things to say about each of them.

The highlight of the time spent so far has to have been the day trip we took to Mt. Vernon. Getting to see, experience, and tread on the same acreage George did was a fantastic opportunity. Independence Day took on new meaning having been to the home of the “father” of our country. It was truly awe inspiring. Similarly was the experience at Monticello, being able to see first-hand how another of our forefathers lived, worked, served, and died. It has changed the way I view our freedom and liberty.

-Rick Sommer

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