For the past few years, I have been exploring my interests in science policy. I first participated in iJOBS Phase I programs and specifically engaged in policy-driven workshops hosted by iJOBS and the Eagleton Institute. During these workshops, I was introduced not only to current issues that drive health policy, but also to the transition of a policy from its initiation to its implementation at the federal level. The experience that I gained from the Phase I programs influenced my decision to pursue a career within science policy.
I decided to register for iJOBS Phase II with a focus on the Science and Health Policy track, which requires a course component and a shadowing component. During the fall semester, I enrolled in an Introduction to Public Administration online class that was dedicated to understanding the structure of an administration system. The objective of this course was to learn about the development of public sector hierarchies, management styles, and movements that define the public sector.
For the shadowing requirement of Phase II, I observed a member involved in the Science and Health Policy Track. While the bulk of policy work occurs in Washington DC, which is quite far from Rutgers, I had the unique opportunity to shadow Congressman Leonard Lance of New Jersey’s 7th district while he was in the state. I began my shadowing experience by meeting the Congressman, his Field Representative Ben Colalillo, and District Director Amanda Woloshen at the Freehold courthouse during a reelection announcement of Hunterton County local freeholders. We returned to one of Congressman Lance’s district offices, where we had meetings with local constituents of varied experiences, from specific groups voicing their concerns to individuals simply expressing support for the Congressman’s work. Because the 7th district of New Jersey encompasses parts of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Essex, Morris and Warren counties, Congressman Lance requires two district offices. The main goal of the two district offices is to maintain constituent relationships, which may involve taking phone calls, coordinating town halls, and organizing other community outreach projects. These events were coordinated by Constituent Services Representatives: Bonnie Abbate, Glenn Mortimer, John Malone, and Barbara Goodman alongside Scheduler Anna Pellecchia. Throughout this experience, most of my time during the shadowing experience involved attending outreach events and sitting in on constituent meetings.
One important type of constituent outreach event I attended was town halls. These public events are the prime place for constituents to get their questions answered directly by their local Congressman. Questions can be about any particular legislation or current event. The first town hall I attended was focused on Veteran Affairs (VA) held at Union County Community College. For this event, the Congressman’s office coordinated with the state VA office to provide a venue where veterans could get their general questions or concerns answered by VA administrators. Case representatives were available to answer any specific questions that the veterans had. Congressman Lance also held his own public town hall, where any of his constituents could attend. Many questions leaned towards current events, such as gun control, health care, the election primaries, and homeland security. One exchange concerning gun violence resulted in a follow-up meeting with the Congressman, to further discuss policies that could address the issue. The town halls were an excellent way for legislators and public administrators to hear “straight from the horse’s mouth,” and there were definitely quite a few “horses” at these events.
Congressman Lance is a member of the House Energy and Commerce committee, one of two powerful house committees along with the tax writing Ways and Means committee. The Way and Means committee is primarily responsible for overseeing any laws or measures that raise revenue for the federal government. The House and Energy committee is primarily responsible for overseeing regulations and laws that affect telecommunication and pharmaceutical companies, many of which happen to be within the 7th district. These types of site visits were a prime opportunity for local telecommunication and pharmaceutical companies to initiate a dialogue, voice their concerns and issues to the Congressman. For example, some companies, such as Verizon, Huber+Suhner Astrolab, Celgene and many others hosted site visits. Generally, these visits included a tour of the site with an overview on new products that were set to launch followed by a mini town hall with the company’s employees. These mini-town halls often began with updates from the Hill regarding the current status of major legislation, and then the floor was opened to inquiries from the audience. Typical questions ranged from taxes to the republican primaries, as many employees asked Congressman Lance about his opinions on the candidates and possible election outcomes.
I also attended outreach events held at local schools. We visited several schools within the district and met students of all ages, from elementary to high school. These events were simpler than the meetings at the companies, as Congressman Lance taught the students a civics lesson on the structure of the U.S. government and the roles of each branch. After the mini lesson, Congressman Lance followed up with a Q&A session, during which students could ask just about anything. And trust me, they did! Many of the informed and eloquent questions pertained to current events, including gun violence, immigration, the ongoing primaries, and the candidates who were currently participating or had dropped out. These outreach events were another great platform for students to interact with their local legislators.
In addition to outreach events, I participated in Chamber of Commerce events, including a Leigh Valley area’s Chamber of Commerce taping of “Business Matters”. A Chamber of Commerce is generally a coalition of businesses that represent companies and business associations. Congressman Lance and four fellow congressional members [Congressmen Lou Barletta (R-PA-11), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17), Charlie Dent (R-PA-8), and Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8)] were filmed addressing concerns from area business leaders and discussing current issues related to business in the Leigh Valley area.
Overall, shadowing a member of policy was an illuminating experience. Before this opportunity, I never really understood the roles of congressional members in their home districts. Like many of my peers, I assumed that congressmen were on vacation whenever Congress was in recess, but I learned that this is definitely not the case. As scientists, we tend to get frustrated with the various stances that legislators take on some issues, but sometimes we do not realize that legislating is a tough but important job. They are required to make decisions that affect not only the country, but also the citizens whom they serve. This is particularly important to understand, considering the number of differing opinions and perspectives that any particular legislator may have on any number of issues. This unique experience will stay with me as I carve my career path within science policy, because in order to ensure we maintain the US’s leadership within STEM programs and funding, we need to appreciate the full diversity of perspectives on the issue, especially from those who end up with the final say in determining the funding of programs that advance the United States’ leadership in STEM.
In closing, I would like to thank the members of iJOBS phase II staff, Dr. Kristen Labazzo and Susan Engelhardt, for setting up this opportunity. Lastly, I would like to thank Congressman Lance and his wonderful and welcoming legislative staff for providing me the opportunity to witness the day in the life a member of congress.
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Left to right Eileen Oni (iJOBS Trainee), James Mitchell (Chief of Staff), Congressman Leonard Lance, John Malone (Deputy Chief of Staff), Amanda Woloshen (District Director), Barbara Goodman (Constitutive Services Representative), and Glenn Mortimer (Constitutive Services Representative).[/caption]