Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman in 2005, Mr. McMakin served as the Legislative Director for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the senior Senator from Washington and a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team. In this position, Mr. McMakin developed and implemented the Senator’s legislative agenda, including her work as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. Over his 17 year Capitol Hill career, Mr. McMakin served as Legislative Director for Representative/Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and as Legislative Director for Representative Mike Kopetski (D-OR). Ben’s experience included extensive work with Members who served on key Congressional committee including the Appropriations Committee in the Senate and the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee in the House of Representatives.