Jeff Vanderslice

About Jeff

Jeff Vanderslice is R Street’s director of federal government affairs. He is responsible for managing R Street’s federal affairs team and operations. He ensures the creation and execution of medium- and long-term federal affairs strategies that can maximize R Street’s engagement with and impact on federal policymakers and the policymaking process.

Prior to joining R Street, Jeff spent 10 years working for a former member of Congress from California. He began as a staff assistant and eventually ascended to the position of legislative director. There he handled a broad portfolio of domestic policy issues, including energy, environment, natural resources, appropriations and drug policy. Among other policy achievements, he was integrally involved with the enactment of the “Rohrabacher-Farr” amendment, which bars the Department of Justice from using appropriated funds to prosecute those who are acting in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws.

After Jeff’s stint on the Hill, he spent nearly five years as the Cato Institute’s director of government and external affairs where he was responsible for leading and expanding the organization’s federal affairs team and operation. He created the Cato Institute’s highly successful congressional fellowship series. Each fellowship provides a small group of congressional policy staff with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a specific area of policy study over a two-month period.

Jeff received a master’s degree in government from John Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Fullerton.

Jeff lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, three sons and their dog.