Congressional Breakfast

As part of this year’s conference, fellows were treated to a new event — a Congressional Breakfast on Capitol Hill. Held in the Senate Office Dirksen Building, fellows had the opportunity not only to visit with some Congressional staff, but also to see more of the nation’s Capitol complex.

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) provided opening remarks at the breakfast and spoke about the importance of properly trained science and technology workers as high-end computing takes more prominence in the nation’s needs. After his remarks, fellows had time to mingle with the Congressional staffers and Congressmen in attendance.

Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN) sat with five fellows from his state and enjoyed breakfast and conversation, and staffers from various congressional offices and committees were in attendance to talk with the fellows.

As a complement to the breakfast event, nearly 25 fellows were able to have private meetings with their elected officials throughout the day.

Fellows found the breakfast to be a great way to get a “Washington experience” and to have the opportunity to meet with Congressional staff.