doi:10.7916/mvkx-7820Oral history interview with Rebecca J. Tallent, 2021Tallent, Rebeccaoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesWomen--Political activity--United StatesTallent, RebeccaObama, BarackBoehner, John, 1949-Kolbe, Jim, 1942-2022McCain, John, 1936-2018Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (U.S.)United States. CongressDevelopment, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (Dream Act)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 congressional 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