A Day in the Life

I am honored and privileged to represent the state of Rhode Island in the United States Senate.

My responsibilities include authoring legislation and voting on bills in the U.S. Senate. I also serve on four committees, where I attend hearings, draft and amend legislation, and conduct oversight of the executive branch.

One of the best parts of my job is helping Rhode Islanders who need assistance with the federal government. When one of my constituents has a problem or a question about a federal agency, I make sure the government is accessible and responsive to their needs.

A Typical Day in Washington, DC

No two days are ever alike in this job, but a typical day for me starts with a morning run or workout. I like to arrive at my office in the Hart Senate Office Building early, have a cup of coffee and read a number of newspapers so I can stay on top of current events.

My first official meeting of the day usually takes place at around 8:30 or 9 a.m. At least once a week I sit down with my legislative staff so they can brief me about upcoming votes and the progress we are making to get things done for Rhode Island.

Committee Hearings

By 9:30 or 10:00 a.m., one of the committees I sit on is usually holding a hearing. I serve on four key committees: Appropriations; Armed Services; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

Each committee has oversight over a different set of issues. All committees hold hearings. During these hearings expert witnesses testify about important matters facing the Congress.

As a committee member, I ask the witnesses questions and engage them in conversation so we can get to the heart of the matter at hand. For example, at a recent Banking Committee hearing I asked the Chairman of the Federal Reserve about U.S. monetary policy. Or during an Armed Services Committee hearing, I may ask an Army General about Iraq or the military's plans to build a new weapons system.

Casting Votes on Behalf of the People of Rhode Island

Throughout the work week, I often go to the Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol to cast votes on a wide variety of issues.

The people of Rhode Island elected me to the Senate, and when I was sworn into office, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution, so I must always consider how any piece of legislation will affect our state and the rights of every American. Often, I will make a speech on the floor of the Senate or participate in debate with other senators.

Meetings and Briefings

After casting my vote on behalf of the people of Rhode Island, I return to my office in the Hart Building for more meetings. I frequently meet with my fellow senators and outside experts so I can learn more about important issues pending before the Senate. I am a member of the Armed Services Committee so I get frequent briefings from members of our military.

Visiting heads of state often travel to Washington, DC to meet with the President and address a joint session of Congress. When this happens, Senators and members of the House of Representatives get together in the House Chamber and listen to a speech by the visiting dignitary. Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently addressed a joint session and I was honored to be one of the members of Congress to receive her and escort her to the speech.

Meeting with presidents and heads of state is interesting, but the meetings I really enjoy are with Rhode Islanders who are visiting our nation's capitol. I especially like talking to school groups that come to Washington to learn more about U.S. history and our system of government.

Press Conferences and Media Appearances

Some afternoons I also hold press conferences, conduct interviews, or deliver a speech. During these events I talk to members of the media about my legislative priorities and other pressing issues. Sometimes these events or interviews will end up on the nightly news or in the papers the next day.

Conclusion: I Love My Job

Again, no two days in the Senate are ever alike. But each day brings new challenges and new opportunities for senators to make a difference and improve the quality of life for Rhode Islanders and all Americans.

I love my job and I am grateful to the people of Rhode Island for entrusting me to be their voice in the U.S. Senate.