The Hill Celebrates Unsung Heroes of Capitol Hill

The Hill welcomed over 250 attendees Tuesday night for a gathering honoring this year's 25 staffers who keep Capitol Hill running smoothly.

The Hill's "Notable Staffers" initiative, now in its second year, recognizes outstanding House and Senate staff members whose diligent efforts often go unnoticed behind the scenes.

The Hill's General Manager Joe Ruffolo paid tribute to the 25 staffers, emphasizing the significance of their work, which frequently escapes public attention.

Samsung provided the venue for the reception, which was also sponsored by Amazon, the American Investment Council, and the American Petroleum Institute.

After introductory remarks from Ruffolo and sponsor representatives, who were former staffers themselves, a brief panel discussion was moderated by The Hill's congressional reporter, Mychael Schnell.

The panel featured a bipartisan group of representatives who shared anecdotes about their honored staffers and underscored the countless hours of work performed by the teams supporting lawmakers. Staff members craft legislation, assist constituents, interact with the media, conduct research, manage schedules, and more. Their efforts, aiding lawmakers, impact millions of Americans nationwide.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who often find little common ground in Congress, expressed a shared sentiment during Tuesday's panel: They owe their current positions to the invaluable support of their staff.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a former chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), observed that the event's audience was bipartisan and while "not everyone is going to agree" on legislation, they all work tirelessly for what they believe is right.

Roy mentioned that his experience as a staff member influences how he approaches relationships with his team.

"I'll just say I didn't get much sleep when I served as Ted Cruz's chief of staff ... but I take pride in that period, just as I know the staffers are proud of their time," Roy remarked, addressing the audience.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) stated that the work ethic of lawmakers' top staffers "permeates" and that's how Congress manages to "accomplish good work."

"Capitol Hill attracts good people," he said, later noting that his current chief of staff started in his office as an intern. Jordan believes that hiring quality individuals at the top will cascade down to junior staff.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) spoke highly of the bipartisan collaboration on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Particularly during travel, staff members conduct themselves professionally and cooperate effectively.

"You wouldn't necessarily be able to distinguish between Republican and Democratic staff," Moolenaar commented.

Staffers work late nights and weekends. They often spend more time with lawmakers than their own families and form enduring relationships. Looking at the honorees, the representatives described them as friends and extended family.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) echoed this sentiment, noting that "regardless of our political backgrounds," the work is driven by the staff. He's attended his staffers' weddings and stressed that "irrespective of political affiliation, you mean a great deal to us."

Lawmakers and their staff experience "a lot together," Rep. Jaime Raskin (D-Md.) remarked.

"A certain kind of trust develops," Raskin said. "The people who remain with you are likely those with whom you share the most in terms of values and principles over time."

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) commented on Congress's progress in increasing diversity among lawmakers, but argued more can be done to hire diverse staff members, especially for senior positions. He believes diversity in thought and perspective strengthens Congress.

"This is an issue we need to discuss more and, importantly, take action on," Horsford said, acknowledging the staff of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he chairs.

The event concluded with refreshments and photo opportunities to celebrate the 25 notable staffers and the work they and their colleagues do to keep Capitol Hill functioning.