WASHINGTON, DC – The Ripon Society held a luncheon discussion this past Wednesday afternoon with Gary Andres, the Republican Staff Director for the Committee on Ways and Means. The discussion focused on the political environment in Washington and the legislative agenda in Congress for the rest of the year.

Andres is a veteran policy professional who has served in both the Legislative and Executive Branches. He previously served as Majority Staff Director of the House Energy & Commerce Committee from 2011 to 2017 under the leadership of then-Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). Prior to his tenure on Capitol Hill, he served Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush as Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs and as a member of the Cabinet Confirmation team.

“As the Republican Staff Director for the oldest committee on Capitol Hill, Gary plays a key role in developing common sense, conservative policies that make a difference in the lives of families and businesses across the U.S.,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of The Ripon Society. “His record in this regard speaks for itself. From the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, he has had a hand in passing some of the most important legislative achievements in recent years.

“With our nation now facing an array of pressing challenges both at home and abroad, we appreciate Gary for taking the time to join us to share his thoughts not only on how Congress may address these challenges, but where common ground may be reached in the weeks and months ahead.”

“With our nation now facing an array of pressing challenges both at home and abroad, we appreciate Gary for taking the time to join us to share his thoughts not only on how Congress may address these challenges, but where common ground may be reached in the weeks and months ahead.”

According to Conzelman, Wednesday’s meeting was attended by a crowd of over 70 people and was the 8th event The Ripon Society has held so far in 2022.  The next event is scheduled to be held this coming Monday, when The Ripon Society will hear from U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (WY-AL).

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.