Behind the Scenes of Congress: Shaping Policy Every Day
This week, we spoke to Peter Butkovich, Legislative Assistant for the Office of Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet.
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Legislative Assistant?
When I have the opportunity to offer insight to aspiring congressional staffers, I like to joke, “You can learn from my path, but don’t feel like you need to follow it.” Even from a young age, my draw to politics and policymaking began with the basic question: “Why are things the way they are, and how do we make them better?” I wouldn’t call that reinventing the wheel, but this simple question drew me to study political science and economics at Michigan State University (Go Green) and to pursue a career in federal politics.
A year after earning my degree in 2018, I began interning for two Michigan Representatives in D.C., then moved from the Hill to work in multi-client government affairs at Dykema, a national law firm. I consider this one of the key developments in my early career, as it built a foundational understanding of how the public and private sectors collaborate on federal policymaking. And these years weren’t quiet. Working in this realm through the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 riots only motivated me to return to Congress.
After 3 years in government affairs, I joined the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs to support my home state Senator, Gary Peters, and to assist with the federal workforce portfolio. To me, nothing is more rewarding than working for your home state and on behalf of its people and doing so on behalf of the Senate’s oversight committee only deepened my understanding of how effective congressional staff truly can be. With this holistic experience, I jumped at the opportunity to continue crafting and strategizing policy for Representative McDonald Rivet in her freshman term, continuing my legislative career.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
Having worked for four members of the Michigan Congressional delegation, I bet if you asked anyone who knows me this question, 90% of the time you would hear, “Michigan, Michigan, Michigan.” Supporting my home state is, without question, fundamental to my career, and through that same passion, so is supporting the Great Lakes economy and ecosystem. Here’s a fun one. The Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada generates a $6 Trillion regional economy and supplies 90% of our surface fresh water. Ensuring a prosperous Great Lakes economy and environment isn’t just important; it’s absolutely necessary. Supporting the Great Lakes has and will continue to be a bipartisan endeavor, and I’m always eager to help in any way I can.
Staying informed and engaged takes focus, effort, and constant engagement with stakeholders and constituents. What makes policymaking in this space successful is the focus on a common goal and shared resource greater than any individual politics, which I am proud to support. My advice to all legislative staffers is to be ready to ask tough questions, offer assistance, and build coalitions to best advocate for your goals.
Describe a challenging or rewarding project that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. How did you handle the challenge and how did it shape your approach to legislative work?
Quantifying “success” looks different depending on who you ask. Some look at the number of bills you’ve introduced, others at the impact of the laws enacted, and others at the policy or oversight pursued. Even in this challenging Congress, we’ve signed two bills into law to support the Great Lakes, all as a freshman member of the House. Ensuring the success of this effort through deliberate strategy and coalition-building has been nothing but rewarding.
I mean it when I say this Congress faces unique challenges, and finding success is meticulous work that requires tremendous focus and creative strategy. You are constantly required to think outside the box and work with new partners to advance legislative priorities. You have to knock on new doors consistently and remain measured, analyzing the chaos of the day. I’ve been fortunate to gain a holistic understanding of the legislative process, with experience in both chambers of Congress and in government affairs, which has been invaluable in navigating this Congress’s complexities.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to those hoping to succeed as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill?
Speaking from experience, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to careers on Capitol Hill, but there are common themes for success. If you want to be an effective legislative staffer, be ready to take calculated risks, stay humble, and always be willing to work with others. You cannot always take the safest and easiest route and expect success, and it’s important to remember that this system only functions when we’re willing to work together on behalf of Americans.
Working in Congress can be daunting and does come with tremendous responsibility. However, you should never be afraid to ask for assistance as you navigate its complexities. Time and time again, I’m shocked at how willing and eager tenured staff are to provide their insight, should you only ask.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
Working in Congress is one of the most educational, entrepreneurial, and thought-provoking environments I could have ever envisioned. Because of the national and international policies pursued, congressional staffers have the opportunity to engage with the foremost experts and leaders across industry, government, labor, academia, business, and more. Every day, you are challenged by new ideas and considerations, allowing you to continuously grow to best support your constituency. Truly, no day is ever the same. Whether it is representing your boss in key meetings, strategizing and negotiating policy, or ensuring that legislation you have spent months or years on becomes law, this environment and public service are tremendously rewarding.
I promise you, congressional staff feel the same stressors felt nationwide about the political challenges we face. It’s hard not to be distracted by everything all at once and remaining focused on what you can control and influence is necessary. Washington, D.C., for all its adventure and excitement, can take a toll if you do not remain vigilant about your role: to best represent the elected congressional member and constituency and to play a vital role in policymaking to best support your office. Happy hours also help.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Foundation
Networking – Coalitions
Writing Skills – Fundamental
Working on the Hill – Dynamic
Leadership Connect – Resourceful
