Witnessing History: Western Student Tatum Buss Observes Impeachment Hearings

WWU student Tatum Buss is working as an intern for her home state senator John Barrasso in Washington, D.C., allowing her to witness the ongoing impeachment hearings firsthand.

Serving as an administrator for Barrasso, one of two senators from Wyoming, Buss spends most days running errands, answering phone calls and conducting legislative research for Barrasso and his senior staff.

Like much of those around the capitol building these days, all eyes are on the impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump, and Buss has been able to experience something that has only happened three times in U.S. history.

“My internship has given me the opportunity to witness history,” Buss said. “I can watch the impeachment trial from the Senate gallery as both sides present their case. After work, I write in my journal so I can remember these experiences in the future.”

Although Buss has to remain neutral when questioned about the impeachment hearings, listening to all the speeches on the floor provided her with valuable details and information of how the impeachments hearings work.

“I watched the Democratic managers for the House of Representative present their testimonies on why they feel President Trump is guilty,” Buss said. “I also attended the swearing in of all 100 senators for the trial and seeing all of them in one room was incredible.”

Every errand is important, every project is important, and every person serves a specific purpose.

On top of the hearings, every day Buss is given numerous tasks that have her moving from building to building, and the constant calls the office gets, the overflow of mail and heightened security have all made Buss’ work even more stressful than usual.

“Work has been overwhelming,” Buss said. “What worries me is how hectic it has been, and I want to do my job well. Every errand is important, every project is important, and every person serves a specific purpose.”

Buss served as a page for senator Mike Enzi, other senator from Wyoming, in her junior year of high school. There, she developed connections and forged relationships that allowed her to return again.

At WWU, Buss is studying political science, has served as senator for the Associated Students, and as a student ambassador for the Western Foundation.

Once she’s back on campus in May, she knows she will have a set of incredible stories to tell.

“But the trial isn’t over yet; and however it ends, it will be fascinating to watch history being made,” she said.