From College Hill to Capitol Hill: Reflections on the Rewards and Challenges of Politics, Policy and Public Service

A conversation with Congressman David Cicilline '83 and Watson Director Richard Locke

April 27, 2015

Approximately 75 alumni gathered at the National Reserve Officers’ Association overlooking the US Capitol and Senate Office buildings for a spirited conversation between Watson Institute Director Rick Locke and Rhode Island’s Congressman David Cicilline ’83 about politics, policy and the path from College Hill to Capitol Hill.   

Cicilline, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed the draft nuclear deal with Iran, his participation in the recent Summit of the Americas, the implications of normalized relations with Cuba, and his views on the Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty. He also talked about legislative efforts he is championing to strengthen the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, stating that, as a nation, we need to do better than advancing “one right at a time,” by pushing for more comprehensive progress and change.  

The event brought hill staffers, journalists, researchers, attorneys and other DC-based alumni together for an opportunity to hear directly from Congressman Cicilline about critical issues facing our nation and the world, to learn more about the Watson Institute, and to connect with one another.