Oral history interview with Rebecca J. Tallent, 2021
Abstract
Rebecca Tallent recounts her experience in Congress in Representative Jim Kolbe's office and as chief of staff to Senator McCain, as well as as an assistant to Speaker John Boehner. She details how she started working on immigration reform as part of Kolbe's staff in 2003, McCain's attempt to pass an immigration reform bill during Bush's administration, his presidential campaign against Obama and c ongressional dynamics within, with the media, and with the White House. She focuses on immigration reform culminating in the DREAM Act and DACA, but also touches on the role and treatment of women in Congress, especially in regards to Governor Palin, and gives insight into tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties complicating the legislative process
Presidents--United States; Presidential campaigns--United States; Women--Political activity--United States; Tallent, Rebecca; Obama, Barack; Boehner, John, 1949-; Kolbe, Jim, 1942-2022; McCain, John, 1936-2018; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (U.S.); United States. Congress; Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (Dream Act)
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2021
Physical Description
56 pages
Note (Biographical)
Rebecca Tallent joined Speaker John Boehner's staff at the end of 2013, serving as assistant to the speaker for policy handling immigration issues. She previously worked for Representative Jim Kolbe and Senator John McCain, ultimately serving as chief of staff to Senator McCain
Note
Interviewed by Nicole R. Hemmer on May 14, 2021. This interview is part of the Columbia University: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Rebecca J. Tallent, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2022