Congresswoman Visits Chancellor Meehan’s Class
04/16/2015
By Julia Gavin
Freshman Meghan Gallagher will be able to cite U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas as a primary source in her research paper on women in politics. The opportunity to query the congresswoman came during Tsongas’ visit to Chancellor Marty Meehan’s and adjunct faculty member Patricia Talty’s class on Congress, which looks at the history and process of the institution.
Tsongas was recently a guest lecturer in the class, where she talked about her experience in Washington and fielded students’ questions.
Gallagher, one of 20 students in the class, asked Tsongas if she faces adversity as a woman in Congress. Congress is “a level playing field,” Tsongas told her, but it needs more diversity.
“We need more women in Congress and in politics, but we can’t win if we don’t run. The reality is, we have the power, but the challenge is getting there,” said Tsongas, who was first elected in a special election in 2007 to replace Meehan when he left Congress to become chancellor. “There’s no denying that political culture is what it is, but we’re overcoming that because we’re getting elected, we’re staying in office, getting respect from colleagues and rising in seniority. This shows that Congress is a changing institution.”
Tsongas said there is a basic respect among her political peers. While there might be isolated incidents of unequal treatment, she believes that politicians empathize with one another, knowing that they’ve all been through difficult campaigns and made sacrifices to reach their positions.
“I really liked her answer,” said Gallagher. “It made me think of everyone in my classes. We might all be very different and not always agree, but we all know the work that it takes to get to college, so we respect each other.”
Tsongas also addressed the need to engage more young people in public service. She described how listening to the radio broadcast of Sen. John F. Kennedy’s acceptance speech at the 1960 Democratic National Convention inspired her to pursue public service. “I hope some of you are inspired to serve as well.”
The congresswoman discussed shifts on Capitol Hill as Democrats have become the minority party in both chambers. She said that this requires more collaboration across party lines, leading to bipartisanship in several areas, especially on the House Armed Services Committee, on which she serves. Tsongas cited serving her constituents as motivation to continue in public service.
“You have to feel strongly that you can still make a difference and always find ways to be helpful, but know that there are limits to what the federal government can do,” she said, adding that situations where she can’t help are one of the more stressful parts of her job. “We’re there as a resource to do what we can, make a difference in our constituents’ lives, serve our communities and make decisions that affect the future.”
Tsongas’ visit stirred discussions about campaign finance reform, representing diverse communities and Congress’ role in the federal government. Her message to get involved at a young age inspired students, as Gallagher and her friends discussed opportunities to attend the 2016 Democratic National convention.
“I just really want to be there,” said Gallagher.