WASHINGTON, DC – With Members of the 118th Congress officially sworn in, The Ripon Society hosted a breakfast discussion yesterday morning with 12 Members of the Republican Freshmen Class.

The new Members participating in yesterday’s discussion included: U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03); U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (IN-02); U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15); U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06); U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03); U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17); U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07); U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02); U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11); U.S. Rep. John James (MI-10); U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05); and, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06).

According to Ripon Society President & CEO Jim Conzelman, the discussion was moderated by former Oregon Congressman Greg Walden, who served two successful terms as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and moderated a similar discussion for House GOP freshmen in 2015.

“We appreciate Chairman Walden for taking the time to moderate this discussion,” Conzelman stated.  “We also appreciate the 12 new Members for taking time out of their schedules to join us.  This is a busy time for them, to say the least.  It’s also a pivotal moment in American history.  From taming inflation to controlling our borders to making sure our troops have the resources and equipment they need to keep the American people – and American interests – secure, they face an array of pressing challenges as they settle into their new jobs.  We were honored they took the time to join us to share their thoughts on these challenges and some of the other key priorities they plan to address in the coming year.”

“From taming inflation to controlling our borders to making sure our troops have the resources and equipment they need to keep the American people – and American interests – secure, they face an array of pressing challenges as they settle into their new jobs.”

Conzelman noted that yesterday’s discussion with the 12 new Members was attended by a crowd of over 110.  He further noted that the discussion was held as part of The Ripon Society’s 2023 Policy & Politics Series, and was the first event of the new year. Last year, Conzelman added, The Ripon Society held over 25 events as part of the Policy & Politics Series, featuring such leaders as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, among others.

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.

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