This week marked my final trip to Capitol Hill before the House begins its August recess. While the Senate is scheduled to remain in session for one more week, the word “break” is something of a misnomer. Members of both chambers will stay active—meeting with constituents in their home districts, and in some cases, traveling abroad as part of CODELs (congressional member delegations).
Even during this so-called break, members remain “on,” though many do try to carve out time with family.
Originally, the House was scheduled to be in session through Thursday. However, upon my arrival, I learned that final votes had been moved up to Wednesday afternoon, allowing members to leave D.C. a day early. I’ll share more on the reasoning behind that shift later in this update.
Hill Atmosphere and Staff Reflections
On Tuesday afternoon, I visited offices in the Cannon House Office Building. There was a noticeable sense of anticipation among staffers—many looking forward to August’s slower pace and the rare chance to wear jeans in the office.
Wednesday morning I was standing in a long security line waiting to enter a House office building, but a representative graciously motioned for me to join him and escorted me through the security post.
During my rounds to Senate offices, I delivered notes and spent time in conversation and prayer with staff. The young men in Senator Josh Hawley’s office, several of whom are fellow Taylor University graduates, were especially welcoming. They always ask for prayer and pray for me.
One Legislative Aide shared the toll this season has taken—mentioning the Senate staff’s exhaustion from a demanding schedule filled with hearings and confirmations. His particular focus is healthcare, and he expressed concern about upcoming budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health, as defense and border security continue to take fiscal priority.
Outside one Senate office, a poster of the remaining hostages in Gaza was a sobering reminder of unresolved international conflicts. Meanwhile, the war between Ukraine and Russia wages on—claiming thousands of lives daily. It’s a tragedy with long-term implications, yet I heard no serious discussions about it during my visit.
Midweek Worship and Encouragement
Wednesday evening, we held a worship service in Room 120 on the Capitol’s first floor. Pastor Brad Wells delivered a powerful message, and I had the privilege of leading worship and sharing a solo. These moments of worship continue to be a meaningful part of my time in D.C.
After the service, my colleague Dan Cummins and I had dinner with the new Faith Director for the Department of the Interior. With the nation’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, there are exciting opportunities ahead and it’s pretty amazing that the department will have a Faith Director providing worship and Bible study opportunities in the department. I’ll share more about some exciting plans in future updates.
Controversy, Avoidance, and Early Departure
Two major issues loomed in the background this week: the renewed scrutiny of the Obama administration's actions during the 2016 election, and the potential release of the Epstein files.
Some Democrats seemed to believe that the Epstein documents could damage President Trump, while certain Republicans feared that blocking their release might backfire in the upcoming midterms. With division mounting and time running short, the Speaker of the House opted to adjourn early—avoiding a vote altogether. Both issues will still be around in September.
I spoke with members who were largely unaware of the Epstein situation, others who welcomed the early recess, and some who believed leaving without taking a vote was a misstep. Regardless of opinion, these issues are not going away. They will continue to simmer and complicate an already strained political climate. In my view, something significant on both issues is on the horizon.
A Decade of Ministry on the Hill
This visit marks my 11th year of engagement on Capitol Hill. Over that time, I’ve come to understand not just how government operates—but also how, at times, it fails to.
I’ve also seen that the 18,000 individuals working in the Capitol, including members of Congress, are deeply human. They face the same personal trials we all do: family concerns, health struggles, spiritual doubts. In 11 years, I’ve helped lead nearly 250 worship services inside the Capitol, walked more than 3,000 miles delivering over 40,000 handwritten notes, and prayed with countless staff and members—some planned, others completely unexpected.
Power, sadly, often draws darkness. Washington, D.C.—as a global hub of power—is not immune. Sometimes that evil is hidden, sometimes it’s fully exposed. I’ve felt its presence in those marble corridors. But I’ve also seen light—genuine integrity, lived faith, and quiet courage. There are leaders here who let their faith guide their decisions, even when it’s unpopular or costly.
Years ago, a member of Congress saw me in a hallway and called out, “Ah, the great encourager.” That phrase stuck with me. It’s part of what keeps me returning—to walk, to pray, to encourage.
Final Thoughts
What troubles me most is the widening disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent. When that bond breaks, the loudest voices are often those backed not by service, but by money and entrenched power.
That’s why I keep showing up—to be present, to serve, to pray, to remind those in Congress that God is still on the throne.
The coming weeks will be filled with musical ministry opportunities across the country. I plan to return to Capitol Hill in early September.
Please continue to pray for our nation. Pray for truth to reign.
With hope,
Steve