Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1180196
O n December 11, 2018, the United States Capitol His- torical Society hosted a panel discussion featuring congressional committee staff who specialize in tax and trade issues. The discussion was moderated by USCHS Trustee Mary Moore Hamrick. The bipartisan, bicam- eral group of speakers included Angela Ellard and Aruna Kalyanam of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Tiffany Smith of the Senate Committee on Finance. USCHS Leadership Council and Constitution Signers members attended the lively, candid, and at times humorous discussion of the current state of tax and trade policy and politics. The panelists discussed the challenges of bipartisanship in our polarized times but highlighted the areas in which they and their fel- low staffers were able to cooperate and compromise. When asked to share their fondest memories of con- gressional service, Kalyanam told of a celebrity encoun- ter she experienced early on: film legend Paul Newman had come to the Capitol to meet with members of the tax-writing committees who were meeting with a foreign leader and unavailable; Kalyanam had to entertain the Academy-Award winner. She also recommended that every- one play Neil Diamond's "America" while driving on East Capitol Street from 7th Street towards the Capitol— the chorus will begin just as the Dome becomes visible! Ellard and Smith both recalled moments of awe that struck them late at night when passing through an empty Capitol Rotunda. There is rarely a more profound still- ness than that which permeates that breathtaking space when the crowds have left and all who remain are quietly, diligently pursuing the business of our country. The "Taxistas"—as the panelists are sometimes referred to on the Hill—were also asked to share any advice they would give to someone looking to succeed them in the future. Smith advocated a flexible demeanor; the ever-evolving politics and circumstances on Capitol Hill mean that only those who can adapt can keep up. Kalyanam said that the most successful staffers are those who do not let questions of authorship bother them; shar- ing or even yielding credit can still help advance a career. Ellard noted that the best staffers always remember that the Member of Congress is the boss; at the end of the day the Member's opinion is decisive. USCHS thanks Express Scripts for generously hosting and supporting this event. 44 THE CAPITOL DOME USCHS Hosts Tax and Trade Committee Staff Panel USCHS Chairman Donald G. Carlson, panel moderator and USCHS Trustee Mary Moore Hamrick, and panelists Angela Ellard, Aruna Kalyanam, and Tiffany Smith KATIE GARLOCK/PORTAITIONS