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Rep.-Elect Sam Forstag Faces Housing Uncertainty in D.C.
Rep.-Elect Sam Forstag Faces Housing Uncertainty in D.C.
Rep.-elect Sam Forstag, the incoming Montana Democrat, has joked that he may need to live in his van upon arriving in Washington, D.C., due to a lack of time to find permanent housing. The former wildland firefighter and union leader was interviewed outside the Capitol during orientation week, where he discussed the surreal transition from his previous career to Congress.
Rep.-elect Sam Forstag, the incoming Montana Democrat, has joked that he may need to live in his van upon arriving in Washington, D.C., due to a lack of time to secure permanent housing.
The 32-year-old former wildland firefighter and labor union leader was interviewed outside the Capitol on Thursday during orientation week. When asked if he would be the best-looking member of the incoming freshman class, Forstag responded with humor, stating he would award the title of "best bulls***ter" to the interviewer.
Forstag described his transition from jumping out of airplanes as a smokejumper to walking the halls of Congress as surreal. He joked that the experience feels so unexpected that actor Ashton Kutcher could appear at any moment to prank him.
Despite the excitement of his new role, Forstag admitted he has not yet figured out where he will live. He explained that he has been too busy setting up his congressional offices and fighting for committee assignments to worry about housing. As a backup plan, he floated the idea of bringing his van to D.C. and utilizing congressional parking privileges.
When an interviewer suggested that sleeping in a van would keep him at work constantly, Forstag agreed, saying, "Hell yeah, brother." The comment highlighted the practical challenges facing new members of Congress who must quickly establish their lives in the capital while managing legislative duties.
D.Fischer--BlnAP
