K-School Welcomes New Reps

As part of a week-long training session, 80 newly elected U.S. Representatives mingled with students last night at a reception in the Kennedy School of Government.

Standing underneath a placard identifying their home states, the representatives socialized informally with more than 400 students.

"This is nice because it is a part of my obligation to students who are considering careers like mine," said newly elected Rep. Peter G. Torkildsen (R-Mass.), a graduate of the Kennedy School.

"I want to give them the benefit of my experience," he said.

Although the reception last night was the only opportunity for participants to interact with students, many representatives said it is an essential part of the Kennedy School's seven-day orientation program.

"It's a very collegiate thing for me to meet the students because they are in touch with the educa- tional experience," said Elizabeth Furse(D-Ore.). "They also may be future politicians."

The program, which is co-sponsored by theInstitute of Politics and the Committee on HouseAdministration, is a series of bi-partisansessions designed to familiarize newrepresentatives with current policy issues andwith the legislative process.

It includes briefings on the budget, U.S.foreign policy, health care, and trade policy.

Despite the program's high attendance, 35Republicans decided to participate in acongressional orientation program at Annapolisthis week sponsored by the conservative HeritageFoundation.

"Somebody told me that Harvard is kind of abrainwashing session and is moreliberal-oriented," Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.)told the Los Angeles Times.

But many who decided against the Heritageprogram said they chose the Kennedy Schoolorientation because of its reputation forobjectivity.

"This one looked like a very thorough program,"said newly elected Rep. Donald C. Johnson (D-Ga.)."It seems like the one in Annapolis is one-sided."

The Heritage orientation ends this weekend andabout 15 members are expected to attend the secondhalf of the Harvard program, according to IOPDirector Charles Royer.

For many, the program offers an opportunity towork closely with fellow representatives.

"This is probably the first time we have hadthe chance to interact with incoming Democraticmembers in an informal setting," said newlyelected Rep. Rick A. Lazio (R-N.Y.). "It'simportant to develop professional relationships totranscend the party bigotry that is inevitable.

The program, which is co-sponsored by theInstitute of Politics and the Committee on HouseAdministration, is a series of bi-partisansessions designed to familiarize newrepresentatives with current policy issues andwith the legislative process.

It includes briefings on the budget, U.S.foreign policy, health care, and trade policy.

Despite the program's high attendance, 35Republicans decided to participate in acongressional orientation program at Annapolisthis week sponsored by the conservative HeritageFoundation.

"Somebody told me that Harvard is kind of abrainwashing session and is moreliberal-oriented," Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.)told the Los Angeles Times.

But many who decided against the Heritageprogram said they chose the Kennedy Schoolorientation because of its reputation forobjectivity.

"This one looked like a very thorough program,"said newly elected Rep. Donald C. Johnson (D-Ga.)."It seems like the one in Annapolis is one-sided."

The Heritage orientation ends this weekend andabout 15 members are expected to attend the secondhalf of the Harvard program, according to IOPDirector Charles Royer.

For many, the program offers an opportunity towork closely with fellow representatives.

"This is probably the first time we have hadthe chance to interact with incoming Democraticmembers in an informal setting," said newlyelected Rep. Rick A. Lazio (R-N.Y.). "It'simportant to develop professional relationships totranscend the party bigotry that is inevitable.