Expand remote internships on Capitol Hill to create a more diverse and effective Congress

By: Rep. Pramila Jayapal [D, WA] and Audrey Henson, Founder of College to Congress

in The Hill

Congressional internships are a key gateway to careers in public service and government affairs on and off Capitol Hill. When the devastating COVID-19 pandemic shut down nearly all in-person internships, many students were shut out of these opportunities. That’s why Congress made the necessary decision to allow interns to telework during the pandemic and future emergency circumstances. For the first time, students who were traditionally barred from these opportunities due to the cost, time, or the physical requirements of moving to Washington, D.C. could access vital internships. But this increased access should not be limited to emergency situations. Interns should be permanently eligible for remote work so we can increase access to the halls of power.