I returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday after a two-week absence. The time flew by, and as I began my office visits, it felt as though I had only been away a day or two. It quickly became clear that this would be another intense week, as Congress faced serious deadlines—including the reauthorization of FISA and the ongoing challenge of funding Homeland Security, even in the aftermath of the troubling incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday evening.
As my flight landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), King Charles was addressing a joint session of Congress. Reports from staffers who watched the speech on office monitors were highly complementary. Members of Congress were each permitted one guest in the gallery, and it appeared nearly every seat was filled.
While the royal visit was meant to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, one can reasonably assume that important behind-the-scenes discussions also touched on global concerns such as Iran, NATO, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
After visits in the Cannon House Office Building, I walked through the tunnel to the Capitol to deliver my notes to leadership offices. Along the way, I noticed remnants from the earlier joint session—markers taped to the floor outside the House chamber indicating where congressional leaders had lined up to enter. I took a few quiet moments to sit in the empty Rotunda and once again absorb its grandeur. Gazing at the frescoes—particularly the Baptism of Pocahontas and the Pilgrims praying before embarking on their journey—served as inspiring reminders of faith and providence in our nation’s history.
On Wednesday, I was joined by my friend, Pastor Cary Schmidt from Connecticut. Cary has accompanied me several times as I move from office to office. He is a great encourager and often carries my backpack, making it easier for me to manage my notes.
That day, we walked nearly ten miles and experienced several meaningful encounters. Early in the morning, we visited with three young men working in a Senate office. Our conversations with them are always enjoyable as we discuss their work, their lives, and their faith. One of them handed me a note from Chrystal, who had recently left the office for another position. She wrote:
“Steve, it is always a joy when you visit the office. I’ve enjoyed talking with you and getting to know you this past year. I also enjoyed seeing you keep Layne, Cal, and Jesse in line. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you before I left. Keep being awesome. —Chrystal”
Notes like these are deeply encouraging as I seek to be a positive influence not only to members of Congress, but also to the thousands of young staffers who serve on Capitol Hill.
Later that afternoon, I greeted a well-known and often controversial representative and told him I was praying for him. His response was simple: “Pray for my kids.” I asked, “For their health?” He replied, “No—for their safety.” Many Americans may not fully realize the very real and ongoing security threats faced by members of Congress and their families.
Throughout the day, the House convened to vote on various pieces of legislation. While votes are typically allotted five or fifteen minutes, several were held open for hours as Republican leadership worked to secure enough support on key issues such as Homeland Security funding and FISA reauthorization. With narrow margins and deeply divided positions, nearly every vote has become a battle.
One Republican member shared with me on Thursday morning that while on the House floor, he was surrounded by party leaders and staff urging him to vote a certain way. It’s part of “making the legislative sausage” that most Americans never see.
The House passed the Homeland Security funding package—much to the frustration of many conservative Republicans. As a result, those who had gone unpaid for more than 70 days will now receive their pay, and hopefully disruptions involving air traffic controllers can be avoided ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Wednesday afternoon also included several meaningful interactions with members of Congress and their staff. There are many remarkable young men and women serving in these offices who are strong in their faith.
That evening, Cary and I returned to the Capitol for the “Washington: A Man of Prayer” event, where we honored George Washington’s legacy as a man devoted to prayer.
Before the event began, I encountered a small group of members of Congress sharing a meal together. I greeted them briefly and offered a prayer for their food. As I began praying, each one bowed their head—a simple but powerful moment.
During our event, we reflected on a little-known moment in American history:
On April 30, 1789—the day of George Washington’s inauguration—Congress was in session when its members marched from Federal Hall to St. Paul’s Chapel in New York for a time of prayer and “divine services,” including the Lord’s Supper.
Just three days prior, Congress had passed the following resolution:
“Resolved, That after the oath shall have been administered to the President, he, attended by the Vice President and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, shall proceed to St. Paul’s Chapel, to hear divine service.”
Accordingly, the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, chaplain of the United States Senate and the first Episcopal bishop of New York, led that service immediately following the inauguration, with President Washington and members of Congress in attendance.
At our gathering in the Capitol, we shared several of Washington’s prayers, prayed for our nation, and lifted up a representative and his sister, who is facing a serious health issue. As House Chaplain Margaret Kibben prayed for them, the representative was visibly moved to tears. It was a sacred moment in the Ways and Means Committee Room.
I will return to Capitol Hill in two weeks. In the meantime, I have much work to do in preparation for upcoming engagements—and, of course, I’ll be writing more notes of encouragement for my next visit.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Please continue to pray for members of Congress and their families—for their health, safety, and protection.
God bless,
Steve