During their recent trip to Washington DC, Morristown-Beard 8th graders met with Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen on the steps of the Capitol. On April 12th, Congressman Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) visited Morristown-Beard School to continue the conversation and field questions on a variety of topics.

Rep. Frelinghuysen spoke about the importance of public service and encouraged the students to get involved with government. “I visit about 90 schools a year,” he told the students. “My hope is that someday one or more of you are doing what I am doing now because it is a very interesting and important job.”

He also discussed a variety of issues ranging from domestic oil production to national debt to social security. Several Middle School students asked the Congressman about international tensions with Iran, Syria, and North Korea.

“I was actually just over there in Seoul (South Korea),” said Rep. Frelinghuysen. “There is no doubt that North Korea is armed and dangerous. We can’t let our guard down, but we need to be very careful about how we proceed.”

The Congressman was also asked the current political climate and the perception that the partisan divide is widening in Washington.

“I don’t think politics is any different today than it was 100 years ago – it’s always been a blood sport – but it’s accentuated nowadays because of the Internet,” said Rep. Frelinghuysen. “Sometimes Republicans and Democrats work closely on issues that are important, but in an election year like this it’s sometimes difficult to get together. My focus has been – with so many people out of work – that we have to work together to make sure everyone has a job.”