Congressional Spotlight Interview with Miriam Berle

In our Congressional Spotlight series, Leadership Connect sits down with a different Capitol Hill staffer to learn about the person behind the policy work. These conversations explore how staffers built their careers, which policy areas they care about, and what they have learned navigating one of the most unique work environments in the country.  

This time, we spoke to Miriam Berle, press assistant for the Office of Rep. Jodey C. Arrington (R-Texas), on how a journalism major led her to Capitol Hill and what it takes to succeed there. She also talks about the policy areas closest to her, including veterans’ affairs, agriculture, and fiscal responsibility, and why she believes there is no ceiling to what staffers can achieve.

Can you tell us about the career path that has led you to where you are now? 

Miriam Berle: I have been fortunate enough to work alongside people deeply committed to public service, and those experiences have reinforced my passion for this career path. 

Originally, my interest in public speaking and connecting with others led me to a major in journalism and news reporting when I started college. However, over time, I felt that an important part of my interests remained unexplored. I wanted to delve deeper into the policy and legislative side of the stories I was reporting on and learn from the people making those decisions behind them. 

That realization led me to reach out to friends working on Capitol Hill to learn more about their experiences. Feeling intrigued and invigorated by their responses, I applied for and gratefully accepted an internship.

By the end of my first week as a press assistant, I knew this was the path I was meant to be on. I had found a way to combine my passion for communications with my desire to make a tangible impact. This was where I could put my studies and skill set to the most meaningful use. 

Which specific policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about? How do you stay informed and engaged in those areas? 

Miriam Berle: From the beginning of my time on the Hill to now, veterans’ affairs and agricultural policy have been two of my strongest interests, largely because I come from a family with several veterans and farmers.  

As my experiences grow, including interning for a member of the Financial Services Committee and now working for the chairman of the Budget Committee, my passion for fiscal responsibility and sound monetary policy has deepened. 

From a communications perspective, following a wide range of news outlets and elected officials is one of the most reliable ways to stay informed on the issues shaping the day. It is important to follow news organizations across the political spectrum to gain a well-rounded understanding of how legislation and major stories are being covered. Doing so helps you craft stronger, more informed messaging.  

Describe a challenging or rewarding experience that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. What did you learn from it? 

Miriam Berle: I may not have always known exactly what I wanted to do growing up, but I always knew I wanted to find my place in Washington, DC. Moving there on my own to finish college while exploring different career paths was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.  

Looking back, that experience taught me that the things worth pursuing are often the ones that challenge you the most. Those moments push you to grow and become the experiences that bring the greatest sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

What advice would you give to people who aspire to work on Capitol Hill?

Miriam Berle: One of the most important lessons I have learned is that there is no ceiling to what you can achieve on Capitol Hill. There are countless opportunities to learn and take on new responsibilities if you seek them out. 

Success comes from showing up consistently, being reliable, and adapting to fast-changing situations. Those qualities do not go unnoticed. The people who continue to work hard and step up when they need to are often the ones who find the open doors to greater opportunities.

What sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment? How do you navigate its challenges every day? 

Miriam Berle: No two days on the Hill are the same, and that is one of the things I love most about it. Amid the unpredictability and constant changes, if there is a place where you can make a difference for constituents, for Americans, and for people around the world, it is here. 

Regardless of your position or level of experience, there are endless opportunities for everyone to make an impact. From every practice assignment to owning your first projects, the work you do has a purpose and the ability to make a meaningful difference. 

Word association – What is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?

Policy: Complex

Networking:  Essential

Writing Skills:  Precision

Working on the Hill:  Dynamic

Leadership Connect:  Community