Pivotal Policymaking
Compiling research and composing policy for pressing issues with far-reaching consequences,
Monica shapes legislation on the federal and state legislative levels.
Legislative Counsel
• Increased support for the Senator’s Judiciary and Health Policy agenda by writing and introducing 20 pieces of legislation, 3 of which became law, as well as negotiating support for appropriations priorities.
• Expanded Medicaid in Montana by negotiating between the state legislature, governor, and the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain a Medicaid Waiver, resulting in health care coverage for 50,000 Montanans.
• Ensured 100% Democratic Caucus cohesion on all votes regarding immigration or homeland security in the Senate during the 115th Congress by successfully coordinating with Senate Leadership working group composed of Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Appropriations Committees.
• Organized the Montana Rural Health Summit to grow support for the Senator’s health policy priorities by bringing together over 100 rural health care providers, federal and state policy makers, and health care officials together to discuss the health care challenges facing providers and patients.
Legislative Fellow
• Improved implementation of the Affordable Care Act by working with the Finance Committee, Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services staff to expand special enrollment periods, support health insurance market reform, and guarantee contraception coverage.
Office of the White House Counsel
• Protected the Executive Office of the President during litigation by reviewing records for FOIA exemptions and Presidential privilege on topics such as Deepwater Horizon and the Affordable Care Act, and prepared memos on legislative oversight legal questions.
Senator Durbin,
Senator Feinstein
• Ensured Senators were prepared for hearings and markups on voting rights, immigration issues, marriage equality, and the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act by conducting legal research, summarizing recent legal decisions, investigating potential witnesses and judicial nominees and drafting questions for hearings and for the record.
Legislative Correspondent |
Staff Assistant
• Oversaw all constituent communications, drafted constituent response letters and statements for publication.