doi:10.7916/7955-kd97Oral history interview with Katherine "Katie" Beirne Fallon, 2023Fallon, Katherineoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesCommunication policy--United StatesGovernment spending policy--United StatesFallon, KatherineObama, BarackUnited States. CongressUnited States. White House OfficeUnited StatesPatient Protection and Affordable Care ActEmergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008Katie Fallon recounts her experiences within the Obama administration as the deputy communications director from 2013 to 2014 and as White House legislative affairs director from 2014 to 2016. Fallon focuses on her role as deputy communications director, describes her mandate to reset the narrative about Obama's economic record, and outlines activities including her creation of a communications network, a daily tip sheet, and a talkers list of influencers in Washington. Fallon discusses her move to legislative affairs, and provides details about Obama's desire to reset his relationship with Congress and increase outreach to congressional Republicans. Reflecting on her earlier work for Senator Chuck Schumer as deputy staff director for the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, Fallon outlines her role in the development of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center within the committee. Also discussed are Fallon's background in finance and work at Lehman Brothers, the 2013 government shutdown, the launch of healthcare.gov, the removal of a public insurance option from the Affordable Care Act, and the negotiations between Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi over the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008