Harvard Orientation for Freshman Lawmakers Faces Criticism

Incoming Democratic lawmakers criticized the lack of labor representation at Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics Bipartisan Orientation Program, a traditionally unconventional affair that has hosted more than 700 Members of Congress since 1972. Hosted last week, the optional event is pitched as a way for incoming lawmakers to learn about life on Capitol Hill. The event included sessions with former lawmakers, lobbyists, and CEOs (including Boeing chair Dennis Muilenburg). Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and others were angered by the lack of labor leaders present and comments made by certain panelists on issues of importance to them. Rep.-elect Rashida Tlaib was told by GM CEO Mary Barra that laid off workers who live in her Detroit-based district could still seek employment at a plant in Flint, more than an hour's drive away.