The Ripon Society Policy and Politics Series Podcast

WASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2019 – The Ripon Society hosted a breakfast discussion with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), who discussed not only the sprint to the finish currently underway on Capitol Hill to wrap up legislative business before the end of the year, but what she's hearing from the people she represents back home.

WASHINGTON, DC – “Arthur Vandenberg may be the most important political figure of the 20th century for whom there was no biography” says Hank Meijer, who recently authored the long-overdue narrative of one of the most influential Senators of the twentieth century. Though he is otherwise known for his role as executive chairman of the Midwestern grocery chain Meijer, in 2017 Hank Meijer published his second book, Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century. Meijer inherited the papers of a “would-be biographer”, which he says gave him “a sense of mission” to complete the biography over the next twenty-plus years. Meijer joined The Ripon Society on Wednesday of last week to discuss his recent publication and what he's learned of former U.S. Senator Vandenberg's character.

WASHINGTON, DC November 20– In remarks before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (MI-6) and Greg Walden (OR-2) talked about the current state of health care policy in America, and what Congress can do to promote innovation.

WASHINGTON, DC October 23 —Although the 21st century has ushered in a new age of information sharing and interconnectivity, some communities have been left behind. Lack of access to broadband internet plagues millions of Americans living in rural areas, and one leader in the Congress is working to close the gap for constituents across her state. The leader is U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who appeared before The Ripon Society yesterday morning for a breakfast discussion focusing on her efforts to expand rural broadband. She began her remarks by explaining why high-speed internet access is so important to these communities.

WASHINGTON, DC — With the 2020 election just over a year away, The Ripon Society hosted a luncheon discussion on Monday with veteran pollster, President & CEO of The Tarrance Group, Ed Goeas. Among other things, Goeas discussed the results of a recent poll he conducted on behalf of Georgetown University and what it means for next year's election. 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.

WASHINGTON, DC – House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) appeared yesterday morning before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, where he discussed not only how the debate over impeachment is delaying work on trade and other important issues, but how the GOP approach to these issues will affect the party's prospects heading into the elections next year.

WASHINGTON, DC — With the American economy thriving but uncertainty continuing to hang over the future of free and fair global trade, The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange held a breakfast discussion yesterday morning with three leaders who are working to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a plan that would modernize the current trade agreement between the three countries, and provide individuals and businesses with an updated regulatory environment in which they can work and compete. The leaders included: Mexican Ambassador to the United States Martha Bárcena Coqui; Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Kevin Brady (TX-8); and, Scotty Greenwood, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council. Former Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen, who served on the Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee while in office and now serves as Co-Chair of a coalition pushing to pass the USMCA – moderated the discussion.

WASHINGTON, DC — With the United States facing an increasing number of threats and challenges around the world, The Ripon Society held a breakfast discussion this past Thursday morning with two leaders who are at the forefront of the effort to meet these challenges and keep American interests – and the American people – secure. The leaders were U.S. Reps. Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and Michael McCaul (TX-10). Thornberry serves as the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, while McCaul serves as the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

WASHINGTON, DC — With the United States facing an increasing number of threats and challenges around the world, The Ripon Society held a breakfast discussion this past Thursday morning with two leaders who are at the forefront of the effort to meet these challenges and keep American interests – and the American people – secure. The leaders were U.S. Reps. Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and Michael McCaul (TX-10). Thornberry serves as the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, while McCaul serves as the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

WASHINGTON, DC – In remarks Wednesday morning before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (TX-23) called on the President to appoint a Special Representative to work with the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and to stop the flow of families and unaccompanied children heading north.

House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Patrick McHenry moderated a discussion before the Ripon Society on June 5, 2019 with Subcommittee Ranking Members Andy Barr, Sean Duffy, Bill Huizenga, Blaine Luetkemeyer and Steve Stivers, who discussed the panel's agenda between then and the end of the year.

WASHINGTON, DC – The bipartisan Co-Chairs of the U.S.-China Working Group appeared on March 28 before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange, where they discussed not only the Congressional delegation they recently led to China, but also the future of the U.S.-China trade relationship with crucial negotiations underway.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-9) appeared before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society on May 23, delivering a stirring speech in which he called on his colleagues to forget about politics and focus on legislating, saying that is what the American people elected them to do.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (KS-4) and actor Tim Daly appeared before a luncheon meeting of The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange this past Thursday afternoon to discuss the arts in this country and what role the federal government has in fostering creativity in communities nationwide. Estes serves as a member of the Honorary Host Committee for the Creative Coalition, while Daly serves as President of the organization. Joining in this discussion were 12 other performers and Coalition members, including: Shiri Appleby, Anthony Carrigan, Ethan Cutkowsky, Lindsay Goffman, Harry Hamlin, Steve Howey, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Dean Norris, Meryl Poster, C. C. H. Pounder, Anthony Rapp, and Caterina Scorsone.

WASHINGTON, DC – In remarks on May 14th before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) commended the Trump Administration for making paid family leave a national priority, and outlined the conservative plan she has co-authored that would help achieve this goal.

Senator Sullivan is a Republican from Alaska. Senator Whitehouse is a Democrat from Rhode Island. Both appeared yesterday on April 3, before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange, to discuss the bill they authored to clean up the tons of plastic and other debris that have been dumped in oceans around the world, and the support that exists for the effort from members of both political parties.

WASHINGTON, DC May 2, 2019 – With a recent report showing that the Social Security Trust Fund will run out of money by 2035, The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange hosted a breakfast discussion with John Larson (D-CT-1) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) about the importance of strengthening retirement security in the United States.

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) appeared before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society to discuss the effort to fill judicial vacancies and the possibility that Senate rules may have to be changed to overcome Democratic obstruction and achieve that goal.

The Republican leader of the Ways & Means Committee, Kevin Brady (TX-8) appears before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, delivering remarks in which he introduced two of his panel's newest GOP members, Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Ron Estes (KS-4). The members discuss trade and other key issues they plan to address in the coming year.

Republican Representative Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Democratic Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-6) appeared before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange, delivering remarks about the need for bipartisanship in Congress and the effort to modernize the operations of the Legislative Branch.

In January, The Ripon Society released its 4th annual Survey of the American Voter. Conducting the survey on behalf of The Ripon Society was The Tarrance Group, led by its president and CEO Ed Goeas, who appeared on February 11th in front of a luncheon discussion to talk about the results of the poll and how to interpret the findings.

House Rules Committee Ranking Member Tom Cole (OK-4) talks about challenges facing democrats & why he is optimistic about GOP prospects next year.

Reps. Drew Ferguson (GA-3) and Paul Mitchell (MI-10), two members of the Republican Whip Team, discuss how they plan to shape the agenda in the GOP's newfound role as the House minority

New NRCC Chairman Tom Emmer (MN-6) introduces 14 Republican Members of the 116th Congress' Freshmen Class.

The Ripon Society's Honorary Congressional Advisory Board Co-Chair and Ranking Memer of the Energy & Commerce Committee Greg Walden (OR-2) shares his thoughts on the agenda for the coming year, both for his panel and the 116th Congress as a whole

The Ripon Society's Honorary Congressional Advisory Board Senate Co-Chair Shelley Moore Capito (WV) reflects back on the year, the Midterms, and share her thoughts on what the 116th Congress will bring

The Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee discusses the accomplishments of the 115th Congress and the areas of bipartisan agreement on the committee in the coming year.

Senator Roy Blunt (MO) discusses his role as Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference and the GOP message heading into the mid-terms.

Senator Rob Portman (OH) discusses key issues facing his home state and the nation, including the opioid crisis and the criminal justice reform efforts he is spearheading.

Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and fellow HASC members Steve Knight (CA-25) and Mike Gallagher (WI-8) discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and how it will enable our military to meet the growing threats around the world.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-1) discusses the successes and challenges faced by the House this year, and what legislative action may be taken during the remaining months of the 115th Congress.

Senators Steve Daines (MT), Ron Johnson (WI) and David Perdue (GA) discuss their recent visit to China, the relationship between our two nations, and how to protect American markets and intellectual property while avoiding a trade war.

South Carolina's Senator Tim Scott and Representative Trey Gowdy discuss "Opportunity Zones" and what else Congress is doing to encourage economic mobility in America, as well as the steps that should be taken to unify the nation and bridge the political divide.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst talks about her work on the Armed Services Committee to ensure the continued strength of our military and the well-being of military families. Additionally, she shares her thoughts about the Renewable Fuel Standard and what it means to the American people.

Featured speaker Ronna McDaniel discusses her efforts as Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee to grow and strengthen the GOP, and the political outlook for Republicans heading into the mid-term elections later this year.

House Budget Committee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) shares his thoughts on the Congressional budget and appropriations process and the reforms he is pushing to strengthen this process and make government work.

Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam (IL-6)discusses the agenda of his panel for the remainder of the year, and the effort he is leading to stabilize markets and make sure that Americans have access to affordable, quality care.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (TX-11) is be joined by former Chair and Ag Committee member Frank Lucas (OK-3) to discuss the prospects for getting a Farm Bill completed this year and what lessons can be learned from its previous passage.

The Winston Group addresses concerns of American voters heading into the mid-terms at The Ripon Society's Annual Senior Staff Symposium on Leadership at Mount Vernon.

House Speaker Paul Ryan talks about the political environment in Washington and how the Congress plans to build on its early success in the latter half of the year.

The Chair of the House Freedom Caucus discusses the priorities of his caucus and the strategy for accomplishing their goals. He will also discuss the relationships between HFC and House leadership, other Republican factions, and the Administration.

Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference and Judiciary Committee member Doug Collins (GA-9) discusses the varied work of the Judiciary Committee, including rural broadband, criminal justice reform and intellectual property rights.

Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Chairman Bob Latta (OH-5) are joined by his committee members Leonard Lance (NJ-7) and Larry Bucshon (IN-8) to discuss the Internet of Things and what policies may balance continued rapid tech advancement with consumer privacy and safety.

Ambassadors Gerónimo Gutiérrez of Mexico and David MacNaughton of Canada are joined by Senator Jerry Moran (KS) and Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) for a discussion about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the debate over modernizing the agreement in a way that keeps the economies of all three countries strong.

Chairman Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Co-Chairs Jeff Denham (CA-10) and Fred Upton (MI-6) discuss the goal of the newly-formed Main Street Caucus and how the group plans to represent the “governing wing” of the Republican conference.

Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (NC-10) previews the second session of the 115th Congress and share his thoughts on the legislative agenda for the year ahead.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13)discusses the multitude of challenges facing America around the globe, including North Korea and the latest on the Iran Nuclear Agreement.

Resident CommissionerJenniffer González-Colón (PR), Representatives Sean Duffy (WI-7), and Tom MacArthur (NJ-3)discuss the work of the Financial Oversight and Management Board and what a path forward may look like for Puerto Rico as the island territory grapples with recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria and a daunting debt crisis.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis discusses his work as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the effort he is leading to shore up America's military readiness and keep Americans secure.

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (OR-2)discusses his leadership of the committee as it takes on a number of high profile issues this year, and his expectations for getting legislation through Congress and onto the President's desk.

Ways and Means Committee Members Jim Renacci (OH-16) and Erik Paulsen (MN-3) give an update on the current state of tax reform in Congress, what progress has been made, and timeframe predictions for getting it across the goal line.