WASHINGTON, DC – With the 115th Congress now underway, The Ripon Society hosted a breakfast discussion with 13 new Members of the House of Representatives. The discussion, held yesterday morning, was moderated by the outgoing and incoming chairmen of the National Republican Congressional Committee – U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (OR-2) and U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (OH-15).

“We appreciate Chairman Walden and Chairman Stivers for taking the time to be with us yesterday morning,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President and CEO of The Ripon Society.  “We also appreciate the new Members of the House for joining us, as well.  It is an exciting time to be a Republican in Washington to say the least.  It’s also a busy time.  From repealing Obamacare to reforming the tax code to rebuilding America’s out-of-date infrastructure, Congress and the President have a full agenda before them.  We were honored to be joined by these Members as they take on this agenda and begin their important work to make America great again.”

The new Members participating in The Ripon Society breakfast discussion yesterday morning included Representatives: Rep. James Comer (KY-1); Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19); Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2); Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-1); Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-3); Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-1); Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-8); Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (IN-9); Rep. Roger Marshall (KS-1); Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18); Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10); Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16); and, Rep Scott Taylor (VA-2).

According to Conzelman, yesterday’s breakfast discussion was attendeded by a crowd of nearly 140 people.  Among those in attendance were a number of veteran lawmakers, including: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4); U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-6); U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (PA-18); and, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (IL-15).

“It is an exciting time to be a Republican in Washington to say the least.  It’s also a busy time.  From repealing Obamacare to reforming the tax code to rebuilding America’s out-of-date infrastructure, Congress and the President have a full agenda before them.”

Conzelman noted that yesterday’s discussion follows up on similar breakfast discussions The Ripon Society held with new Members of the House in 2015 and 2013.  Conzelman further noted that the discussion – the first held by The Ripon Society in 2017 – follows up on a year that saw the 55-year old centrist Republican public policy organization hold over 60 policy events featuring 80 Members of the House and Senate.  Conzelman added that The Ripon Society’s next event is a breakfast meeting on January 11th with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-1).

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 from yesterday’s breakfast discussion, please click here.