Alexander Torshin, First Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house of Russia’s parliament) visited DC in early March. While in Washington, AFPC hosted a University Club dinner in honor of the Chairman. Those in attendance included: The Hon. Roger Wicker (R-MS); Dr. William Schneider, Jr., AFPC Advisory Board Member; The Hon. Richard T. McCormack, Vice Chairman of Merrill Lynch; Ms. Mary Beth Long, former Assistant Secretary of Defense; and Dr. Richard Rahn, former economic advisor to President George H.W. Bush.