Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins SXSW Panel On Millennials In Politics

Press Release

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) yesterday attended the 2015 South by Southwest Interactive Festival and joined a bipartisan panel called "Millennials: The Unstoppable Force" to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that face the Millennial generation in America.

The panel focused the conversation on pressing issues facing young Americans, including Internet freedom, jobs, debt, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Congressman Will Hurd (TX-23) joined Congresswoman Gabbard on the panel.

"Too often, political bickering in Washington overshadows the issues that this generation of Americans are concerned about," said Congresswoman Gabbard. "Millennials care less about party labels and blind partisanship, and care more about getting things done. Like so many people, of all generations, I'm working towards finding creative solutions to the challenges that face our country, and finding strong partners to work with to get the job done. That must include more open dialogue and bipartisan collaboration in Congress that prioritizes results over rhetoric, and engaging with leaders and innovators who are finding solutions every day in our communities and in the private sector."

There are 90 million Americans who make up the Millennial generation, and they face a set of challenges related to student debt, health care, and employment that are unique to their generation. Generally considered a tech-savvy, highly-educated, and engaged group, there are opportunities for Millennials to be game-changers in the realm of business, politics, and public service.

Before attending the SXSW panel, Congresswoman Gabbard met with members of The Bunker. The Bunker is a "program built by veteran entrepreneurs for veteran entrepreneurs. The Bunker targets existing veteran-owned tech startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to come, create, and conquer the business world through their ideas, hard work, and strategy. They invite early-stage companies to apply to join The Bunker and provide space at for six months, access to great talent, an exclusive network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentorship and professional development, and access to capital. The Bunker also invites aspiring entrepreneurs to apply to become Entrepreneurs in Residence at The Bunker, and intern at one of our portfolio companies."

Congresswoman Gabbard asked Bunker members what the biggest challenges are that their veteran entrepreneurs face when they join, inquired about their model and peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities, and learned about the organization's access to networks, expertise, and capital.

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