Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/311502
R ep. X av ier Becer r a Keynotes Breakfast R ep. Xavier Becerra (CA), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, was the featured speaker at the annual Congressional Leadership Breakfast on December 13, 2013. Becerra spoke to members of the Society's Leadership Council, Constitution Signers, and Brumidi Society and shared his personal thoughts about the difficulty of balancing family life and professional responsibilities. Noting the trade-offs required to be an effective Member of Congress, Becerra said he constantly considers why he came to Washington and what he wants to accomplish for his constituents and the country. When entertaining thoughts of opting for a less frenetic lifestyle, he always concludes he can be of greater service as a Member of Congress than in any other endeavor. As a member of the House leadership, Becerra was asked questions about pending legislation, the potential for bipartisan cooperation, and the possibility of a government shutdown in early 2014. He was also on hand for the California Quiz, testing the audience's knowledge of his home state. e Society thanks the Boston Scientific Corporation and American Society of Civil Engineers for their generous support of the breakfast and Express Scripts for the use of their offices to host the event. USCHS President Ron Sarasin welcomes Rep. Becerra. Brian Pallasch of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Steve LaPierre of Boston Scien fic Corp. with Rep. Becerra Rep. Becerra talks about serving in Congress. ALL–PORTRAITIONS 44 THE CAPITOL DOME SPRING 2014