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Tag: Ways and Means

A Final Day in DC

The White House Tour by Brian Aldaco

Our last day in Washington started out with once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our first stop was none other than the home of the president of the United States, and many other presidents before him.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

Our self-guided tour began at the East Wing, its long corridors adorned with pictures of our nation’s presidents….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

…and other important figures that had also visited such as Princess Diana and John Travolta.

During our first few minutes of exploration, we saw the iconic view depicting the South entrance, often found in movies. The spectacular sights continued in the rooms located on the ground floor. Every room housed its own historical story. One after another, we got to view various treasured artifacts such as the 55,000 volumes of literature in the Library, also used for countless presidential tea meetings since President Fillmore in 1850.

The Grand Ball Room was, as the name suggests, the most grand, with three crystalline chandeliers and gold décor from top to bottom.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

It is commonly used for special events, such as the marriage of Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice. We were also able to see something that not many people get to see, the cleaning of the chandeliers. Glass piece by glass piece, White House maintenance workers meticulously and carefully disassembled and wiped clean the 6000 pieces of glass. Their work was imperative for the White House’s illustrious look.

We forged ahead and had the chance to view some very recognizable rooms: the famous Green, Blue, Yellow, and Red Rooms. Used by the President and First Lady for special receptions over the years, these rooms were all themed in the color and time period of the president’s choice. Throughout these rooms we were also drawn to the displayed art, much of which, to our surprise, we recognized. Among the most notable were works of art by Jacob Lawrence, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Winslow Homer. Even though we saw a small portion of The White House, the experience of visiting the nation’s most celebrated home will be forever ingrained in our memories.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

Capitol Tour Part 1 by Karla Rosales

After an exciting tour of the White House, we were anxious to learn about the legislative branch of our government.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

Without wasting any time, we rushed over to Congressman Brady’s office, which had kindly prepared a guided tour for us. We received a warm welcome by his staff and given a small tour of his Capitol office. Surprisingly, members are allowed to paint their office any color they would like. Congressman Brady decided to paint his office and the Appropriations Committee room one specific shade of blue named “Brady Blue”.  His press secretary, Allyson, gave us a clear overview of what her job entails which was helpful for us since we also manage social media sites.

Spencer, an intern from Texas Tech, then took us to explore the Capitol while Brian and Christina stayed behind to work. One of the less seen Capitol treasures is an underground tunnel decorated with art pieces by students from all over the country, the Wall of Art. Every year, each member picks their favorite piece from an art contest hosted in every district, eliciting thousands of submissions. Congressman Brady is a well-known baseball fan, so it was easy to spot his pick among the various masterpieces. From there we made our way to the Brady Blue colored Ways and Means Committee Room where the unveiling would take place in a couple of hours. Next, we marveled at the collection of statues in the statuary hall, which used to be the old House Chamber.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

Each state can donate two statues, but due to limited space, only one statue is placed in this hall, ours being Sam Houston. The other Texas statue was that of Stephen F. Austin. Most statues can be described as “larger than life” (such as our Huntsville’s Sam Houston statue), however these statues were quite the opposite. They were exactly the same size as the real person.

Capitol Tour Part 2 by Kaitlyn

Our anticipation built as with every step we got closer to the famous rotunda. The grandeur and beauty of the dome did not disappoint!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, White House

Awestruck, we marveled at the amount of detail and artwork, from the meticulous flooring, massive murals on each wall, intricate friezes, to the dome fresco. Painted by Constantino Brumidi, The Apotheosis of Washington (the dome fresco) was inspired by the founding of the United States. George Washington majestically sits in the middle, lifted by thirteen angels who represent the thirteen original colonies.

Below the fresco and bordering the entire dome is a frieze, a painting which was carved to give the illusion of stone, depicting the history of America beginning with Columbus’ landing and the birth of modern aviation. Brumidi, was also the artist and designer behind the frieze, but he unfortunately died before completing the project. Filippo Costaggini completed the artwork after Brumidi’s passing. The dome captured the splendor and elegance of the capitol. Pictures do not do the rotunda justice. We highly recommend visiting yourself!

The Crypt, named for its resemblance to chapels and tombs, was our next stop in the tour. Originally created with the intent of being George Washington’s tomb, it stands as a memory though it remains empty.  It is lined with a series of impressive statues, including statues of Robert E. Lee, George Washington….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol

…Nathaniel Greene, and an exhausted Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, the Lincoln sculpture was missing its left ear. There are three theories behind the missing ear: 1) Lincoln listened to the North in the Civil War 2) Lincoln was assassinated before he finished his presidency, so the statue remains unfinished and 3) the sculptor accidentally chipped the left ear off and didn’t fix it.  The first of these was offered by 19th-century southerners.

Then we headed to the Old Senate Rotunda where the original Senate Rotunda was located. It was adorned with a beautiful chandelier and a plaque commemorating the place where the first telegraph was sent by Samuel Morse.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Samuel Morse

Our last stop was an exciting trip to the House Gallery! The House was in session and debating a bill. Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed to take cameras or even phones into the gallery. But we did get to hear debate and were surprised to learn that most members don’t sit on the House Floor, instead watching it in their office until they cast a vote. With that last view of the House Chamber we concluded our tour. Many thanks to Spencer for the memorable tour!

Library of Congress by Beatriz Martinez

Once our tour was done, we grabbed a quick bite to eat. Our day was far from over and we needed to refuel before going to one of the most impressive institutions in Washington DC, (in my opinion), the Library of Congress.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

Built in the 1800s, it is one of the oldest federal institutions of our nation, with more than 164 million items, ranging from books, film, moving images, sound recordings, music, and so much more. Artfully designed, the Library spans across three different buildings, all of which are decorated with various mosaic art, colored glass windows, statuesque pillars, and murals.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

It is such an intricately designed building that it is almost impossible to describe its beauty and splendor. A LEAP favorite in the Library was the Thomas Jefferson library which contains 6,487 of Thomas Jefferson’s books.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

Some were recreated, but most of them were from his original personal library. It was great to see another legacy Thomas Jefferson had left us.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

After making a couple of rounds, we headed to the two other exhibits that were being displayed. The first was of Bob Hope.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

There were many types of media that showcased his life and his humor. He ranged through multiple comedic entertainment ranging from film, radio, TV, and even did some comedic political critiques. Next was an exhibit of Courtroom Sketch Art, from famous court cases such as that of Michael Jackson, OJ Simpson, and Charles Manson to name a few.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Library of Congress

After we finished looking at the different sketches, we shopped at the gift shop and headed out to meet Brian and Christina to be let back in into the Capitol for the Sam Houston bust unveiling.

Working at the Brady Office by Brian Aldaco

Meanwhile, while the rest of the group received a tour of the Capitol Building, Christina and I stayed to experience the work of the D.C office. As interns of Congressman Brady’s district office in Conroe, this was a great chance to experience the work involved at our nation’s Capitol. With much enthusiasm, we completed various tasks and helped around the office. The time in the office was a great experience and we are thankful that Congressman Brady’s staff were so eager to teach us as much as possible about their office.

Sam Houston Bust Unveiling- Christina

The moment finally arrived for the unveiling of the Samuel Houston bust! The delicious scent of a true Texas cuisine, barbeque, guided us to the reception room where everyone was gathered.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

In one corner of the room stood a picture of the bust, which was promptly being signed by everyone in attendance.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady
SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

Standing nearby was Kellie Meyer, the Multimedia Journalist for Gray Washington News Bureau, who was interviewing Mayor Mac Woodward, the Director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and one of the key people of the event.  She also interviewed Brian Aldaco who currently interns for Congressman Brady’s Conroe office and whose interview we saw later that night!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

The event began with Congressman Brady’s remarks recognizing Samuel Houston as a “True Texas Hero”.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

Then Mayor Woodward said a few words, including Sam Houston’s long-awaited return to DC after 158 years since he served as US senator.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

The crowd consisted of Texas congress members such Congressman Pete Olsen, Congressman Lamar Smith, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and their staff.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

Congressman Brady invited everyone to join him upstairs to see the beautiful bust.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady

The Bust of Sam Houston…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady. Mac Woodward

…fits well with the Ways and Means Committee Room, which also houses a statue of Winston Churchill.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady. Winston Churchill

We enjoyed our time in this special place…

W&M_SH_Mac_Kaitlyn_1_Web
W&M_Reception_47_Brady_Web
W&M_Reception_45_Lindsay_Callie_Web
W&M_Reception_44_Brady_Students_Web
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SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady. Mac Woodward

As the night ended, we were thankful not only to have spent time with congressional and local figures but also knowing that Sam Houston’s legacy will live on.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Washington DC, Capitol, Sam Houston Bust, Ways and Means, Congressman Kevin Brady. Mac Woodward

Author mikeyawnPosted on May 9, 2019May 9, 2019Format AsideCategories Art, Civic Engagement, Law, Politics, TravelTags Capitol, Congressman Kevin Brady. Mac Woodward, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Library of Congress, Sam Houston Bust, SHSU, Washington DC, Ways and Means, White HouseLeave a comment on A Final Day in DC

A Texas Sized Celebration With Congressman Brady

The perfect afternoon activity after a Monday full of classes for some students might be lounging around, relaxing by the pool soaking in the last summer rays or even sitting back and watching Netflix, but not if you’re a LEAPster. When we were made aware of Congressman Kevin Brady’s 4th Annual Blues & BBQ event, we all leaped at the opportunity to volunteer!

The venue, Dosey Doe Big Barn, was perfect for the western-themed night. It was the ideal take on a “rustic-vintage” look with the wooden beams that doubled as décor, the old Coca-Cola, Sunoco and General Electric signs that adorned the walls, and the many different types of quaint little chairs that surrounded each dinning table.

As guests began pouring in through the large stained wooden doors, we welcomed them with a warm greeting and thank them for attending while directing them to the dining area, buffet, and bar. Once Congressman Brady arrived, people began lining up to speak to him and shake his hand. After non-stop tête-à-tête conversation with his guests, Congressman Brady hopped on stage to speak about the upcoming presidential election and the importance of his constituents.

Congressman Kevin Brady, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Dosey Doe, LEAP, SHSU

As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Brady’s chief responsibility is to oversee the tax code. Impressively, eight Presidents, eight Vice Presidents, twenty-one Speakers of the House of Representatives, and four Supreme Court Justices have served in the Ways and Means Committee! As a government official of great responsibility he gave everyone an update on what he has been working on in D.C. and stated his goals. After the applause  died down guests continued to enjoy their meals. Along with a rewarding speech we were lucky enough to enjoy tasty brisket, roasted BBQ chicken, potato salad, and grilled squash!

The night closed once everyone had enjoyed a slice of dessert from the Texas sized cake that congratulated Congressman Brady.

ways_and_mean_seal

Before the guests made their way out, they made sure to get some last words with the Congressman snapping some pictures with him along the way.

Congressman Kevin Brady, CHairman of the Ways and Means Committee, SHSU, LEAP

Congressman Brady was more than happy to take a picture with us as well, and his staff (The Brady Bunch) even invited us to hop on stage and join them in their staff picture! We all had a great time, and we hope to participate again soon!

 

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on September 25, 2016Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, Politics, VolunteerTags Congressman Kevin Brady, LEAP Center, SHSU, Ways and MeansLeave a comment on A Texas Sized Celebration With Congressman Brady

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