Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA)
Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL)

ABA Rounds Out 2009 Meet and Greet Series

ABA’s Political Involvement Department hosted the final two Meet and Greets of 2009 featuring freshmen members of the U.S. House of Representatives – Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA) and Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL).

Rep. Hunter serves on the House Education & Labor Committee. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, immigration reform, mandatory paid leave and child nutrition were topics of discussion at the Dec. 9 breakfast with the Congressman and members of his staff.

Rep. Hunter identified himself as a strong conservative who is committed to strengthening national security, creating opportunities for American workers and protecting the interests of taxpayers. He serves on the House Education & Labor Committee.

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Rep. Parker Griffith, a member of the House Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, visited ABA headquarters to meet with ABA staff and members of the business community to discuss health care reform, cap and trade legislation and the Congressional agenda for 2010.

"I voted against Leader Pelosi’s health care bill in the House because I am against the inclusion of any public option," said Rep. Griffith. "I support an incentive-based plan to encourage young people to enter the medial profession and I also believe Congress should pass legislation that would allow businesses to band together across state lines to purchase health insurance."

Rep. Griffith is a physician, former member of the state legislature and restaurant franchise owner. He sits on the House Transportation and Small Business Committees.

"This year ABA hosted an outstanding line-up of freshmen House members in one of the most aggressive ‘meet and greet’ schedules in the association’s history," said ABA Director of Political Affairs Kelly Knowles. "Forming key relationships with new members of Congress is a critically important step toward achieving the industry’s public policy goals and raising the association’s visibility on Capitol Hill," said Knowles.

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL)

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)

ABA hosted Freshman Member of Congress Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on Sept. 18 at a meeting with other members of the food industry and broader business community.

“Representative Guthrie is a dynamic new member of Congress,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “With a seat on the important House Education & Labor Committee, Rep. Guthrie is closely involved in legislative issues that are extremely important to the baking industry including health care reform and the so-called Employee Free Choice Act,” said MacKie.

Congressman Guthrie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in 1987 with a degree in economics. Guthrie later earned a Master’s Degree from Yale University in public and private management. Following his military service, Congressman Guthrie joined Trace Die Cast, the Bowling Green, Ky.-based manufacturing business that was started by his father. The company began with only five employees and has grown to employ more than 500 workers.