Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/884685
61 THE CAPITOL DOME WELCOMING RECEPTION FOR NEW MEMBERS OF CONGRESS On Tuesday, 7 March 2017, the United States Capitol Historical Society hosted a Welcoming Reception for new Members of the 115th Congress in National Statu- ary Hall. The event provided incoming freshmen Mem- bers with an opportunity to learn about the history of both the Capitol and the Congress. On the unique privilege of working in the Capitol, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said in his remarks that "you can't just help but to take in a sense of awe and history as you walk through." Similarly, House Demo- cratic Leader Nancy Pelosi shared that "it's really quite a thrill to be able to welcome new members to the Congress in the context of the history in which we all serve." Assistant House Democratic Leader James Clyburn noted that "I view the study of history, I view our observation of all these symbols of history, as being part of the experience of being an American." U.S. Capitol Historical Society President Ron Sara- sin, who served in the House of Representatives from Connecticut from 1973 to 1979, acted as the master of ceremonies and shared some of his own experiences. "Every two years when the Congress convenes, I'm reminded of the sense of energy and purpose that comes with being a Member of this great institution—I imagine our honored guests are feeling the same way tonight," commented Sarasin. Members and guests also heard from Dr. James Thurber, founder of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University, and Dem- ocratic Freshman Class Co-Presidents Val Demings and Donald McEachin. Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan BOTH: K ATHY KUPK A PHOTOGR APHY Teva Pharmaceuticals Founder ($5,000-$9,999) Airports Council International—North America Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers American Association of University Women American Chemistry Council American Institute of CPAs American Society of Mechanical Engineers Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers Cigna Comcast NBCUniversal Corn Refiners Association Elanco EMD Serono Emergent BioSolutions Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Grocery Manufacturers Association K&L Gates Kia Motors Corporation Leonardo DRS Mazda North America Operations National Beer Wholesalers Association National Grocers Association Nationwide Insurance Company Northwestern Mutual Pfizer, Inc. Phillips 66 Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Tarplin, Downs & Young LLC Texas Instruments Incorporated The Society deeply appreciates all the Capitol Committee members for their continued involvement and support of its educational mission. For more information about the many benefits available to Capitol Committee members, please contact Director, Corpo- rate Giving Marilyn Green at (202) 543-8919 x21 or mgreen@uschs.org, or Manager of Development and Outreach Jennifer Romberg at (202) 543-8919 x23 or jromberg@uschs.org. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi