Congressional Action Days: Schedule of Events

MONDAY, MARCH 19

Kick-Off Breakfast: Point/CounterPoint

Speakers: Donna Brazile, Democratic National Committee, and Dana Perino, Fox News

An insider's view of the current political landscape is always on the menu at the Congressional Action Days' Kick-Off Breakfast, but this year, there's a double serving in store.

	Donna Brazile		Dana Perino

Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile and former Bush White House press secretary Dana Perino are pairing up to offer perspectives from opposite sides of the aisle during the "Point/Counterpoint: Hot Button Issues of Election 2012" program.

Brazile worked on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore. Today she is vice chair of voter registration and participation for the Democratic National Committee. Perino is now a Fox News contributor and co-host of The Five, the channel's daily political news program. As White House press secretary from 2007 through 2009, she was one of the most highly regarded members of President Bush's senior staff.

Issues Briefing

Speakers: Lin Schmale and Corey Connors, SAF

SAF lobbyists Lin Schmale and Corey Connors review talking points on the issues you'll be taking to your Capitol Hill appointments and show you how to put them into personal perspective. Don't worry about being an issues expert, though. You'll have great handouts to leave behind. What you'll really be there to do is talk about what you know best — your business — and help legislators understand what it's like there every day, the number of people you employ and the ways you support your community.. 

Lunch

After the Issues Briefing, spend time with your state or regional delegation during lunch and map out strategies for tomorrow's legislative appointments.

Lobbying Tips and Tactics*

Feel like you need a little extra coaching or just want to brush up your pitch. Attend this optional session to build your skills, get some practice and pick up additional lobbying tips.

*optional program                     

NEW! Mount Vernon Estate Tour

Before making history talking to your legislators on Capitol Hill, spend an afternoon drinking it. Join us on a trip to nearby Mount Vernon, Va. and explore the estate that George and Martha Washington's called home for 40 years. The lovingly-maintained property is one of the most popular attractions in the Washington area. The mansion contains furnishings from the period and many items owned by the Washington family. The estate also includes numerous outbuildings, including a greenhouse, slaves quarters and a blacksmith shop as well as restored gardens. Several "living history" presentations are offered.

Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies Association

First Timers' Reception

Get to know fellow first-time attendees and chat with members of SAF's Government Relations Committee about what to expect during your appointments tomorrow.

SAFPAC Reception & Dinner*

Speaker: Norman Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute 

If you really want to understand how Congress functions and how to help move issues forward, don't miss Norman Ornstein, the nation's pre-eminent congressional scholar, at the SAFPAC Dinner. Ornstein knows more about Congress than most of its members. He's a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, an election analyst for CBS News and the author of the weekly column "Congress Inside Out" for Roll Call newspaper. He's also the author of numerous books on Congress and has written for the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, among other major publications. If you watch ABC News' Nightline, PBS' Charlie Rose or The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer you'll recognize him as a frequent guest.

* Individuals who have contributed $150 or more to the SAF Political Action Committee are invited to the SAFPAC Dinner. For more information about SAFPAC contact Brian Gamberini, bgamberini@safnow.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

Grassroots Breakfast

Speaker: Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-5-Ore.)

Before you board the bus for the quick trip to Capitol Hill, join fellow delegates at the Grassroots Breakfast for final lobbying tips and a firsthand view of life in a congressional office from Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-5-Ore.)

Rep. Schrader is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Small Business and serves as ranking member of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. Schrader also chairs the Blue Dog's Taskforce on Fiscal Responsibility and the New Democrat Coalition's Health Care Reform Taskforce.

A farmer, veterinarian and small business owner for over thirty years, Rep. Schrader established and managed the Clackamas County Veterinary Clinic in Oregon City as well as operating his farm where he grew and sold organic fruit and vegetables.

Elected to the Oregon State House of Representatives in 1996, Schrader served as a member of the Joint Ways & Means Committee. In 2001, Congressman Schrader was one of 5 legislators asked by their peers to guide Oregon through the worst budget crisis since the depression. In 2003, he was elected to the Oregon State Senate and was immediately appointed to chair the Joint Ways & Means Committee. He continued to serve in that capacity until he was elected to Congress in 2008.

Congressional Appointments

This is your chance to make history! Walk the halls of Congress with other members of your delegation to visit your legislators and tell your story. Nervous? Don't be. SAF provides you with talking points and handouts and will make sure first-timers are partnered with a CAD veteran or SAF staff member as they make their rounds.

Gold Club Luncheon

(for SAFPAC Gold Club Members*)

Speaker: LTG (Ret.) Daniel Christman, U.S. Chamber of Congress

As senior counselor to the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, LTG (Ret.) Daniel W. Christman, is responsible for advising the Chamber’s senior leadership on national security and international issues affecting the business community. He previously served as senior vice president for International Affairs at the Chamber. A career military officer who retired from active duty in 2001, Christman served five years as the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also served for two years as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during which time he traveled with and advised Secretary of State Warren Christopher and was centrally involved with negotiations between Israel and Syria as a member of the Secretary’s Middle East Peace Team. Christman also represented the United States as a member of NATO’s Military Committee in Brussels.

Capitol Hill Club Hospitality Suite

Sponsored by Hortica Insurance and Employee Benefits

In between appointments, stop by the Capitol Hill Club Hospitality Suite to catch up, grab a snack, file a report and check-in with fellow attendees.  

Day's End Reception at the Crystal Gateway Marriott