Republican lawmakers, alongside their Plus counterparts, find some enjoyment in gathering at Lake Como. They engage in discussions about various policy matters and sometimes take leisurely boat rides.
The Aspen Research Institute extended invitations to both Democrats and Republicans for a meeting in Bellagio, Italy. This event aimed to address food insecurity, artificial intelligence, and energy security within a “nonpartisan” setting as part of their Congressional Program.
This initiative, established in 1983, is described as a “non-government, nonpartisan education program” aimed at serving Congress. The recent Lake Como trip began in 2023, taking place in April, and included four or more lawmakers.
Documents reviewed by Notus revealed that costs for attendees—covering several days—were largely borne by the Aspen Institute. This included business-class airfares, meals, and accommodations.
Participants are set to stay at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center, which overlooks Lake Como and features recreational equipment alongside a lakeside beach.
The Aspen Institute outlines its goals as fostering curiosity and deepening understanding across diverse perspectives. Their efforts seek to connect leaders on topics such as climate change, clean energy, and economic opportunities, addressing some of the intricate social challenges of our times.
In 2019, the Aspen Institute hosted a “Book Talk” featuring Ibram X. Kendi in Washington, DC, discussing his work “How to Be an Antiracist.” The Rockefeller Foundation contributed $1,250,000 to promote educational gatherings of congressional leaders and experts, aiming for civil discourse and collaboration on pivotal public policy issues, with the term ending on September 30, 2024.
Some of the Aspen Institute’s policy focuses include climate change and clean energy, as evidenced by their collaborations with institutions like Columbia University and Harvard.
Randy Weber, a Republican from Texas, shared his experience during the April trip, mentioning that they were put on a small houseboat which later took them to a quaint villa with a restaurant. He humorously noted the Italian gelato and his attempts at local cooking classes.
This Lake Como trip is somewhat different from typical foreign parliamentary visits, which often target significant geopolitical locations like London, Berlin, and Rome.
Charlie Dent, a former Republican representative from Pennsylvania, now leads the Aspen Congressional Program. After serving as chair of the Ethics Committee, he recently submitted a form for approval concerning the Lake Como visit. Dent emphasized that no taxpayer money is involved in this initiative, nor are lobbyists present, suggesting that opportunities for bipartisan collaboration are limited in Congress.
The villa’s selection was based on its favorable amenities and security, as noted in a 2025 Ethics Disclosure. The aim for 2024 was to ensure access to relevant experts linked to the meeting topics.
The Aspen Institute claims that the Congressional Program is funded exclusively by established charities, and that its meetings undergo examination by the Senate and House Ethics Committees, with some committee members also planning to attend.
Among the attendees, Republican Mississippi Rep. Michael Guest—chair of the House Ethics Committee—has approved documents for participation in the Lake Como Conference, having previously attended two such trips.
Also on the list is Republican Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce who was involved in the 2024 gathering. A spokesperson for the Ethics Committee declined to comment on these events.
A retroactive approval request has also been granted concerning travel expenses connected to a 2023 Aspen Institute visit made by a Republican Texas lawmaker and his wife, despite an approval letter not being received beforehand.
Kedric Payne, president of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center, raised concerns about the underlying motives behind such trips, questioning whether they might be perceived as an avenue for gaining special access and influence.
Others who participated in the Lake Como trips included Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, Greg Murphy, Darrin Rahood, and Cat Cam Mac. Despite attempts to reach these individuals for comments, responses were not received prior to publication.
