Betsy Rosecan, NOSSCR Government Relations Director

On Thursday, May 15th, I had the opportunity to attend Congressman John Larson’s (D-CT) 16th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament. As you may know, Congressman Larson is the Ranking Member of the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Ways and Means, making him a highly relevant player in legislation related to Social Security.

This event, which I have attended previously, is held on the rooftop of the Venable Building in Northwest D.C. (because the Venable firm has a bocce ball court on its rooftop, and Congressman Larson is a huge fan of the game). If you are unfamiliar with bocce ball, it is a game in which two teams compete to roll spherical balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball. Literally translated to “kiss” in Italian, the game offers an interesting political metaphor in a world where proximity to power often carries the day. I competed on the team led by Congressman Larson’s Chief of Staff. While we didn’t win, it was a rare chance to engage with Congressman Larson and his staff in a relaxed, social environment.

Having attended several Larson fundraising events over the past couple of years (due to Larson’s significant role in the Social Security realm), I was easily recognized by the Congressman and engaged in a helpful conversation with him about his perennial Social Security 2100 legislation. We also discussed the possibility of working together to craft smaller, more targeted legislation to address ongoing issues with the Social Security adjudication process. Sometimes, shorter, more targeted approaches are more effective than the longest and strongest lobs in the game of bocce — and politics.

With the ability to use PAC funds generously contributed by NOSSCR members, NOSSCR can directly engage and forge close relationships with Members of Congress and their staff. These crucial relationships allow us to participate in the conversation when laws or policies that impact NOSSCR members and their clients are considered. Like bocce, politics is a game of strategy and precision, where close relationships are often the deciding factor between winning and losing.

Please consider donating to the NOSSCR PAC so that we can continue to be on the court when it matters most.

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