Notre Dame alum Representative Brendan Boyle ’99 (D-PA) has built his career on seeking common ground, an approach he sees as essential to effective public service and a healthy democracy.
A Philadelphia native and the first in his family to attend college, Rep. Boyle earned an academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with a degree in government, completed the Hesburgh Program in Public Service, and participated in the first cohort of the Notre Dame Washington Program. He has served in Congress since 2015 and represents Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District, covering much of the City of Philadelphia.
Watch: Rep. Boyle reflects on bridge-building and the lessons he carries from Notre Dame:
Building Common Ground in Congress
For Rep. Boyle, bridge-building is about finding common ground–a key to breaking through polarization and legislative gridlock in Congress.
“Bridge-building is about recognizing shared values to solve problems,” he says. “Dogmatically focusing on partisan differences only widens the gulf between us, rather than bringing us closer to a brighter future.”
“When we set aside partisanship and focus on solving problems, we can make meaningful changes that improve how the government works for the people we represent.”
As Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, he works closely with his Republican counterpart, Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), to advance bipartisan solutions.
Last year, the two partnered on the CBO Data Sharing Act, which passed both chambers and became law. The bill gave the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office access to crucial federal data, a success Rep. Boyle calls “a real moment of bridge-building.”
“I’m a diehard Notre Dame alum and Democrat from Philadelphia; Jodey is a Texas Tech guy and very conservative,” he says. “When we set aside partisanship and focus on solving problems, we can make meaningful changes that improve how the government works for the people we represent.”
He sees these efforts as rooted in shared human values:
“At the end of the day, we all want the same things for ourselves and our loved ones: a home, food on the table, a stable job, a safe neighborhood, and a bright future. I keep those core needs at the forefront whenever I consider legislation or action on behalf of the people I represent.”
Shaped by Philadelphia
Rep. Boyle’s philosophy on bridge-building began at home. Raised by “hard-working, blue-collar, and devoutly Catholic” parents, he learned early the importance of respect and hard work. It was their example that inspired him to attend college and pursue public service.
Representing the same neighborhood where he grew up, he finds daily reminders of what unites people across differences.
“When I look out the window of my train traveling from Philadelphia to Washington, I see myself and my family in the neighborhoods we pass,” he says. “Many of those homes are filled with people who may think differently or face different challenges, but what unites us is stronger than what divides us.”
“If my neighbors in Philadelphia can set aside differences to work together and support one another, then surely we in Washington should be able to do the same.”
Lessons from Notre Dame
“Notre Dame, like other great institutions of higher learning, serves as a crucible where ideas are openly debated and refined."
Rep. Boyle’s experience at Notre Dame also shaped his approach to dialogue and public service. Calling Notre Dame football and basketball games on campus radio helped him become a more concise and impactful communicator. Living and learning alongside classmates from across the country and around the world deepened his appreciation for diverse perspectives.
“Notre Dame, like other great institutions of higher learning, serves as a crucible where ideas are openly debated and refined. Students learn not only to express their own beliefs, but also to listen, challenge, and grow from the views of others,” he says. “That practice of civil discourse–grounded in respect, curiosity, and a shared pursuit of truth–is essential for our democracy.”
“Holding true to core values while keeping an open mind and seeking common ground has been central to my work in Congress,” he adds. “It’s how I strive to build bridges with colleagues, even across deep divides in our country and the wider world.”
About the Series:
Inspired by University President Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C.,'s call for Notre Dame to be a community of “bridge-builders,” DC Bridge Builders spotlights members of the Notre Dame community who are fostering collaboration and common purpose in our nation’s capital.
Know someone building bridges in DC? Nominate them here.
Originally published by at washingtonoffice.nd.edu on November 25, 2025.