by Kris Kitto, The Hill

With Mother’s Day this Sunday, The Hill continues to feature the women in Congress who find time in their busy schedules to make dinner for their children and tuck them into bed at night while filling their role as public officials...

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) Ellmers 

Ellmers has a son, Ben, 16.

What does it mean to you to be both a mom and a member of Congress?

The reason I decided to run for Congress was because of my concern for my son’s future. I saw the way the country was headed and did not see him having the opportunities ahead of him that I have enjoyed. As a member of Congress, I can do something about that. Being a mom, and keeping my son always in mind, the decisions I make are not only based on what is best for us now, but for future generations as well.

When do you think about your son most while on the job?

I think about my son constantly, but especially when I am able to work on an issue that I know will affect his future in a meaningful way.

Are there any “mom skills” that are also useful on the job?

There are many “mom skills” that are useful in this job. Multitasking is a big one because of the busy schedule we keep and the many different issues we handle. Another is the ability to choose the best course of action, rather than the most popular. Any mom knows that if she lets her kids eat ice cream for every meal and skip their homework every night, she might win short-term favor but do long-term damage. We sometimes have to make hard, unpopular choices in Congress, just as we do as moms.

What’s the hardest thing about being a mom in Congress?

Having less time to spend with my son is the hardest thing.

And the best thing?

A great thing about being in Congress is being able to show my son first-hand that we all can make a difference and that God has a distinct plan for all of us — we just have to be open to see it.

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