Tuesday afternoon I landed at DCA and began another adventure in the halls of Congress. I never know what lies ahead.
Within the first hour of delivering my notes of encouragement, I found myself sitting with a young staffer who was seeking advice about her relationship with her boyfriend. They have talked about marriage, but things seem to be at a standstill. This 24-year-old young woman is passionate about her faith and sincerely seeking God's direction, as is her boyfriend. Her Bible rests prominently on her desk.
While I was able to offer some perspective and encouragement, it became clear that she would greatly benefit from the wisdom of a mature Christian woman. Like her, there are thousands of young men and women serving on Capitol Hill who desperately need godly counsel and encouragement. I have connected her with the spouse of a member of Congress whom I trust to provide that kind of guidance. Please pray for the young men and women who serve in congressional offices.
The House agenda this week was especially demanding, with several major pieces of legislation needing to be addressed before members departed for the August district work period. There are fewer than 20 legislative days remaining on the House calendar before the November elections and fewer than 40 before the Christmas recess. August is traditionally the summer break, and members are generally not scheduled to be on Capitol Hill in October as they spend much of that month campaigning before Election Day.
As I visited with staff members throughout the day, many shared their plans for August. Some hoped to travel, while others expected to remain in Washington for the month, enduring the city's notoriously hot and humid summer weather.
Tuesday evening concluded with dinner alongside a former member of Congress who has been a faithful supporter of my ministry on Capitol Hill.
Wednesday morning I met my friend Cary Schmidt, pastor of a church in Connecticut. Cary has been spending more time with me making visits to congressional offices and was also scheduled to preach at our monthly Capitol worship service.
Ministry on Capitol Hill is built on relationships, and relationships take time. Whatever influence God has given me over the past twelve years is due not only to who I am but also to maintaining a faithful, consistent presence. Cary is now beginning to build those same kinds of relationships with the people who work on Capitol Hill.
The tension on the Hill remains high. Reports indicated that Speaker Mike Johnson's frustration with several Republican members who have repeatedly stalled legislation boiled over during a heated hallway discussion just off the House floor. In an uncharacteristic moment, the Speaker reportedly swore at one of the members. Almost immediately, however, he apologized. It served as another reminder of the extraordinary pressure under which congressional leaders operate.
Despite the conflict, the House passed several significant pieces of legislation before leaving Thursday for the August break. Among them were a short-term government funding measure, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a budget resolution, an Iran War Powers resolution, legislation restricting congressional stock trading, and disability work-related legislation.
The temporary funding measure, passed Tuesday night, is intended to prevent a partial government shutdown this fall. It would extend current funding through December 4, providing Congress approximately two additional months to complete the regular appropriations bills for the fiscal year that begins October 1.
Passage of the NDAA is also critically important. These measures now move to the Senate, where their future remains uncertain. It also remains to be seen what will happen with the SAVE Act, which has been languishing in the Senate. Pressure continues to mount on Senate Majority Leader John Thune as senators prepare for one final week in session before the August recess.
We may yet see another legislative "ping-pong" match as bills move back and forth between the House and Senate before final passage.
As I walk the halls I typically encounter representatives and senators. In the basement of the Russell Building, the colorful and entertaining Senator John Kennedy was surrounded by a group of reporters. While many politicians run from the camera, Senator Kennedy is fearless in responding to reporters. On top of that, he always seems to deliver a zinger in his homespun style.
Late Wednesday afternoon I was invited to the office of a representative who has served on Capitol Hill for more than a decade. He is one of the "good ones"—a man of integrity and a committed follower of Jesus Christ.
He recently announced that he will not seek another term in Congress. As I entered his office, I asked, "So, what's next?"
Although I knew portions of his story, he shared even more of the remarkable journey that ultimately led him to Congress. Parts of his testimony are so extraordinary they could easily become the basis for a movie—and I hope one day they do.
I asked how long he could financially sustain himself after leaving Congress. He explained that he could manage for several months, but it was evident that his confidence rested not in financial security but in God's direction for whatever comes next.
He also spoke candidly about his concerns regarding his effectiveness in Congress. He quoted President James Garfield:
"If Congress is reckless, ignorant, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate recklessness, ignorance, and corruption."
Garfield's point was that elected officials inevitably reflect the character and values of the people who elect them.
This congressman believes he may ultimately have a greater opportunity to influence our culture outside of Congress than within it. He may be right, but I will be saddened to see such a godly and principled leader leave Capitol Hill.
President John Adams once wrote:
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
That observation raises an important question: Are we still a moral and religious people?
Truth continues to be obscured in our culture and, consequently, in our government. What is a man? What is a woman? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Have the things that once seemed clearly black and white simply dissolved into shades of gray?
Many Americans criticize what they call a "do-nothing Congress." Yet perhaps the camera should also be turned toward the American people. Government is often a reflection of the culture it represents.
Before our monthly Capitol worship service, I had the privilege of singing for a bipartisan gathering inaugurating the House Military Veterans Housing Caucus, created by Congressman Pete Sessions. It was an honor to participate in an event where Republicans and Democrats came together to address the serious issue of housing for our nation's veterans.
Our monthly worship service concluded the day. I had the privilege of leading the music and singing, while Cary Schmidt preached. There is something profoundly significant about songs of worship and the proclamation of God's Word in our nation's Capitol. Those songs and those Scriptures echo through its halls.
From Washington, D.C., I traveled to Nashville for several meetings, including an interview with RFD-TV about my ministry on Capitol Hill. You can watch the interview here:
https://www.rfdtv.com/studio-singer-steve-amerson-finds-new-mission-on-capitol-hill
August will include several singing engagements, but it will also provide an opportunity for rest and refreshment before returning to Washington in September.
Please continue to pray for our nation and for the men and women who serve on Capitol Hill.
Steve