WASHINGTON, DC – The Ripon Society held a luncheon discussion yesterday afternoon with four staff members from the Office of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who discussed, among other topics, the GOP’s agenda this fall and the effort to pass legislation to rewrite the nation’s tax code for the first time since 1986.

The staff members participating in the discussion included: Jonathan Burks, who serves as Chief of Staff to Speaker Ryan and is pictured above; Brendan Buck, who serves as the Speaker’s Counselor and Chief Communications Advisor; Hugh Halpern, who serves as Director of Floor Operations; and, Jennifer Hemingway, who serves as Director of House Operations.

“These are eventful times in American politics,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of the Ripon Society.  “From reforming our tax system to rebuilding our infrastructure to meeting the increasing array of threats and challenges we face overseas, Congress has a full agenda to say the least.  We appreciate Jonathan, Brendan, Hugh and Jennifer for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us yesterday to discuss this agenda, and share their thoughts on how Congress and the President are working together to meet these and other challenges in the months ahead.”

“These are eventful times in American politics.  From reforming our tax system to rebuilding our infrastructure to meeting the increasing array of threats and challenges we face overseas, Congress has a full agenda to say the least.”

According to Conzelman, yesterday’s discussion was attended by a crowd of more than 90 people and follows up on similar discussions The Ripon Society has held with House and Senate Leadership and Committee staffs over the past few years.  Conzelman further noted that yesterday’s discussion was the 61st event The Ripon Society has held in 2017, and that future events include: a discussion on immigration policy with U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) on Thursday, October 26th; a discussion on the future of Puerto Rico with U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Sean Duffy (WI-7) and Tom MacArthur (NJ-3) on Thursday, November 2nd; and, a discussion on the North Korean missile threat with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) on Wednesday, November 8th.

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 of yesterday’s luncheon discussion, please click here.