This summer, I visited Boston and New Hampshire, but one of the best experiences of my summer was talking to Congressman Peter King in Washington, D.C. Touring the magnificent capital, I was astonished. Beautifully crafted architecture painted the streets in a pearl white. The rotunda of the capitol building featured such elegance and refinement. I was drawn to the city and took advantage of all the opportunities I had there.

While attending an academic journalism program in D.C., I was encouraged to meet with a representative from New York State. The first person who came to mind was Mr. King, our congressman. After reaching out, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. King in his capitol office.

Congressman King, 74 years old, is a Long Island native and a Republican. He currently represents the 2nd District of New York which includes Wantagh. The Congressman works out of his local office in Massapequa Park and his Washington D.C. office. He is also the Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

I interviewed Mr. King about prominent issues pertaining to Long Island. I included questions about Veterans, the Irish, and The University of Notre Dame, his alma mater. The Congressman is very involved in Veteran affairs and benefits. He speaks on behalf of the 112,000 Veterans that call Long Island their home. Mr. King attended the University of Notre Dame Law School and is a major supporter of Ireland. In the 90s, the Congressman helped bring peace to Ireland through the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

It was very apparent that Mr. King is proud to represent the United States and Long Island. He was well spoken and provided strong responses to my questions. When my time with Mr. King came to an end, he stood up, shook my hand, and offered to take a picture with me on his balcony that overlooks the capitol building. With such a great reputation, Mr. King is unique in the way he interacts with others. Throughout the interview, Mr. King showed me his utmost grace and dignity as if meeting with a head of state as opposed to a teenage journalism student from his constituency.