Exit Interview: Amy Harris Honored to Walk the Halls of Congress
Republican aide Amy Harris has found a new home at the National Association of Home Builders’ BUILD-PAC . But she’ll remain forever grateful for the highly instructive time she spent learning the ropes of the legislative branch.
“I have been very fortunate to work with some incredible members. People I never thought I would be standing in the same room with, let alone them knowing my name,” Harris told HOH about her experience on Capitol Hill. She began her congressional career in the office of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, assisting the Washington Republican for a year and change before decamping for a fundraising gig at Bogart Associates.
She returned to the House this winter to help freshman Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., hit the ground running in the 114th Congress.
Harris billed his official swearing in as a magical moment.
“Such a tight race, when it should’ve been a blowout,” she said of his nail-biter of a victory over Republican rival Clint Didier (51 percent to 49 percent). “I have never been so invested in someone and to be able to watch his growth, starting as one of 12 candidates to winning his seat was just amazing. I got to be a very small part of an incredible team!”
The rewards for all the hard work included trips to Longworth cafeteria for mac-and-cheese breaks — the recipe is fine; what she really dug was having it always around (“mostly it just being there lol” she shared via email about the kitchen staple) — as well as excursions to local watering holes such as Capitol Lounge (“What’s up Eugene!” she gushed), Sonoma, Bullfeathers and Tortilla Coast .
“I don’t really discriminate on Cap Hill bars,” she said of her all-inclusive attitude.
When she craved solitude, Harris said that nothing beat an after-hours stroll through the Rotunda.
“Being able to walk through the Capitol at night, when it’s quiet,” might have been her favorite perk, Harris estimated.
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