[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 159 (Friday, October 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 21, 2011

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a resolution to establish 
a House of Representatives Summer Internship Program, which would allow 
youth, from college-bound to senior-level college students, to work in 
the House of Representatives for seven weeks in the summer. The 
students, from every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, 
would assist Members of Congress and congressional and Cloakroom staff 
with legislative duties, filling a void left after House leadership 
terminated the House of Representatives Page Program.
  The participants would still need to meet most of the qualifications 
under the former House Page Program, except students would need to be 
at least 18 years of age, be entering or enrolled in college, and have 
earned a 3.0 or better grade point average over the prior two academic 
years. The House Speaker and Minority Leader would select and appoint 
the interns, and the Office of the Clerk of the House would administer 
the program. My bill would also establish an oversight board, and 
require the Clerk to propose regulations to implement the program.
  In announcing the termination of the House Page Program, the House 
Speaker and Minority Leader cited the program's high operating costs 
and advances in technology that eliminated the need for Pages. My bill 
does not contain the major financial obligations of the Page Program, 
such as the costs of providing housing, residential staff, teachers and 
tutors, and a stipend for students. Under my bill, the House interns 
would be required to arrange and pay for their own housing and would 
serve without being paid. The interns would attend a one-hour class per 
week on the executive, judicial, or legislative process, which are 
already offered to all interns and congressional staff throughout the 
year by the Legislative Resource Center.
  Since the termination of the Page Program, congressional staff, 
fellows, interns and legislative branch employees have come to 
understand the unique and proactive value of the program. For example, 
congressional staff now have to make frequent deliveries to the U.S. 
Capitol, cutting into their daily work duties. But, perhaps the most 
valuable and lasting aspect of the Page Program was the invaluable 
experience it provided to young people.
  I urge my colleagues to support my bill, and I call for its immediate 
passage to continue youth participation in the legislative process.

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