The Aspen Institute Congressional Program convenes high-level conferences in which legislators are brought together with internationally-recognized experts to study critical issues and explore policy alternatives in a neutral space meant to foster relationship building and problem solving.

​Why We Invested

The Aspen Institute’s Congressional Program aspires to build informed, bipartisan, and bi-cameral relationships through diverse participation in Congressional breakfasts and international conferences. Since its creation, the program has engaged more than 350 legislators, 200 international leaders, and 900 scholars in a wide range of in-depth policy discussions in Washington and around the world.

Political neutrality is essential to the educational purpose of these events, which provide expert information about key topics of importance to the legislative process. By fostering discussion and deeper relationships across party lines, the program aims to create a legislative branch that is better able to solve problems and pass legislation to address the most important challenges facing our nation.

2016: Up to $475,000 over two years. 2014: Up to $300,000 over two years.