WASHINGTON, DC — The Ripon Society held a virtual discussion yesterday afternoon with the Republican Staff Director of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Mike Bloomquist.

In his remarks, Bloomquist – pictured here addressing Ripon in April of last year – discussed not only the legislative priorities of the committee while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread nationally, but also how day-to-day operations of the panel have changed.

“We appreciate Mike for taking the time to join us yesterday afternoon,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of The Ripon Society. “As the GOP staff leader on one of the most powerful and oldest committees on Capitol Hill, he has been instrumental in a number of legislative achievements in recent years, and has played a key role in the legislative response to COVID-19.

“The world hasn’t seen a pandemic like this in over a century. With these new and unprecedented times, it takes bold and innovative policy solutions to help the Americans across this country overcome this virus and emerge on the other side stronger and more resilient than ever.”

“With these new and unprecedented times, it takes bold and innovative policy solutions to help the Americans across this country overcome this virus and emerge on the other side stronger and more resilient than ever.”

According to Conzelman, yesterday’s virtual meeting was attended by a crowd of over 70 people, and was the 13th virtual event The Ripon Society has hosted since mid-March. He added that The Ripon Society will host another virtual discussion this week with U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-2), who will talk about her role on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis and the strategies the panel are working on to safely restart the economy and ensure the success of relief efforts.

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.