A longtime Senate spokeswoman is going back across the Rotunda to serve as press secretary for Speaker John A. Boehner.  

Emily Schillinger, who has led the press operation for the Senate Republican Policy Committee as its communications director, will take the position vacated when Michael Steel left the Ohio Republican  to work for now-presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s political action committee. Schillinger also has been serving as communications director to the RPC chairman, John Barrasso of Wyoming.  

“Emily has been an unflappable spokesperson for more than five years. We asked a lot of her, but no matter what was sent her way she handled it with poise and professionalism. She puts her responsibility to be open and accurate with the public and the press first, and she’s trusted on Capitol Hill because of it. I’m going to miss Emily’s good judgement, extraordinary talent and even more her relentless good humor no matter the circumstances,” Barrasso said in a statement. “I look forward to following all the success I know she will bring to the Office of the Speaker.”  

Before working for Barrasso, Schillinger was a communications director on the House side at the Natural Resources Committee and for Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. She also worked in the executive branch during the administration of George W. Bush, both as an aide to White House Press Secretary Dana Perino and as press secretary at the Commerce Department.  

“Emily Schillinger is one of the most talented and well-respected spokespeople in Washington,” Boehner said. “She brings to Boehnerland a wealth of experience at the center of high-profile debates, and we are fortunate to have her on the team.”  

The New York Times first reported the personnel move.