Word on the Hill: Gotcha — Or Not

By Alex Gangitano

Posted January 25, 2017 at 5:00am

Gotcha — wait, maybe not.

A tipster contacted HOH to allege hypocrisy on the part of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., for flying first class on his way back to D.C. this week when a bill he sponsored prevented such a thing.

There were only a few things wrong with the tip. Yes, the congressman was flying first class, but he used mileage points to upgrade, as the Coach-Only Airfare for Capitol Hill Act would have allowed. And it wasn’t Grijalva’s bill — he was one of 23 co-sponsors of the 2015 legislation introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.

The bill was introduced in the House in May 2015 and died with the 114th Congress.

Better luck next time, tipster.

Franchise Caucus launch

The launch of the Congressional Franchise Caucus for the 115th Congress was headlined Tuesday by Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., whose dad is a McDonald’s franchisee in his home state, and Rep. Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn. The caucus’ goal is to highlight franchising’s contributions to the economy and to provide data about the economic effect and future development of franchises in all 50 states and 435 congressional districts.

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis speaks about the Congressional Franchise Caucus at the launch event on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of the International Franchise Association)

Staffer guide

Heard on the Hill is releasing a guide to staffers for navigating the waters on Capitol Hill, from getting that first job to how to make the most of your career. Over the course of this week, visit our Congressional Staffer Guide for profiles of staffers and their advice for those working on Capitol Hill. Next Monday, look out for tips and how-tos for your career. Check out the first couple of profiles, including this one of former Hill and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. staffer Meghan Dubyak, and another on lobbyist Kerry Feehery, onetime chief of staff to ex-Sen. Connie Mack III of Florida.

Staffer shuffle

David Sitcovsky is Rep. John B. Larson’s, D-Conn., new chief of staff, succeeding Lee Slater, who will be the director of outreach and member services for the House Ways and Means Committee. Sitcovsky was previously Larson’s legislative director.

GOP retreat starts

House and Senate Republicans leave for their retreat today in Philadelphia. Look for Roll Call’s coverage from our reporters in the City of Brotherly Love.