16 Things I'll Miss About Being In Congress
Macklemore, MSNBC, and Minnesota. A look back at 8 years in Congress.
16. Smoke-filled rooms

15. Palling around with the President


14. Seersucker Thursdays

13. The wonderful staff that keep the Capitol running

Smiles, hugs, and fashion advice from the fabulous Maria make going to the House Floor for votes even better.

Even when I'm rushing to the Capitol, I'll always take time to talk to my buddy James, one of our train operators in Rayburn.
12. You never know who you'll run into


11. Daily reminders of our nation's founding

10. Committee work

9. Hanging out with D.C.'s most eligible bachelors

All we're missing is Howard Coble
8. Friendly chats with Nancy Pelosi

7. Visiting the troops

6. MSNBC's even-handed reporting


5. Access to some of the greatest minds

4. Speech prep with my staff
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3. Adoption and foster care advocacy

One of my three trips to Haiti to do volunteer work and visit orphanages. Considering adoption? Here are 10 reasons why you should.

With Kayla and Melanie on the 1st annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.

My office helped bring Micah Schneider home from Kazakhstan, and his parents, siblings and I had a great time exploring the Capitol together.

A light saber duel broke out while visiting the Martindale family, who have adopted nine children with disabilities.
2. Fierce hot dish competitions...and other Minnesota delegation events


Everyone is gathered for a meeting with Collin Peterson's famous hat.