Former Members of Congress (FMC)

Last week, Former Members of Congress Luke Messer (R-IN) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) spoke on a panel entitled "Building Bridges Across Political Divides" at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)’s annual conference! Moderated by Sam Houston State University President Dr. Alisa White, the pair discussed overcoming partisanship, how to bridge divides on campuses, the importance of higher education, and more. We’re grateful to have participated in this timely conversation!

FMC mourns the loss of Former Congressman Jerry Patterson (D-CA, 1975-1985). A lifelong public servant, Patterson worked heavily in Congress on banking transparency and refugee assistance, including those from Vietnam. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.

FMC is saddened to share that Former Senator Fred Harris (D-OK, 1965-1973), has passed away. Harris was a strong ally of President Johnson, and focused much of his efforts on improving the lives of vulnerable and low-income citizens. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.

FMC thanks Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the U.S. Hyundong Cho and a bipartisan group of 11 Members of Congress for joining us for a robust breakfast roundtable discussion on national security, trade, maintaining the U.S.-ROK relationship, and more. We were proud to host such an insightful and invigorating conversation!

FMC's Congressional Study Group on Korea was honored to convene Members of South Korea's National Assembly, Members of the U.S. Congress, and Former Members this week to discuss U.S.-Korean relations and shared regional challenges. We look forward to continuing this vital dialogue in the year to come!

Yesterday, FMC was proud to host another edition of our Select Committee on China Roundtable series, featuring Rep. Jake Auchincloss and Rep. Rob Wittman, and moderated by Former Member of Congress Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. These discussions provide members of the diplomatic and business communities a bipartisan perspective into one of the U.S.’s most pressing issues, and we’re grateful to our panel for sharing their time and insights with us. We look forward to organizing more programs like this in the future!

FMC invites you to join us on Dec. 10 at Planet Word for inspiring sessions on “Renewing Civic Health.”?Thought leaders in democracy, public policy, and civic engagement will help shape the future of civic participation. Register today! #NCoC2024 ncoc.org/conference?

FMC is thrilled to announce Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. and Rep. Derek Kilmer will be joining our Board after their terms end in January! Both Congressmen have exceptional records of service and bipartisanship, and a history of working alongside FMC. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4fLuVuh

Last week, FMC hosted a virtual panel with Former Members of Congress Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Reid Ribble (R-WI), Mark Schauer (D-MI), and Fred Upton (R-MI) to discuss the results of the 2024 election, moderated by SiriusXM's Steve Scully. The group discussed why President Trump won, where the Democrats went wrong, the priorities for the new Trump administration and the 119th Congress, and more. A big thank you to our panelists and moderator for their time and insight, and to everyone who logged on to listen! If you didn’t get a chance to join us, you can watch the full panel now by clicking the link here: https://bit.ly/4fo7eZj

On this Veterans Day, FMC thanks our country’s veterans for their service to our great nation. Without their dedication to the U.S.A, we would not be able to enjoy the many freedoms we have today. May their sacrifice and loyalty be remembered and honored today, and every day!