Authors: Ryan Klein, Hunter Steach, &  Tristin Kilgore

Over the past two months, three members of Penn State College Republicans have embarked on various internships in the United States House of Representatives. Ryan Klein, our President has interned in the Office of Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15). Our Vice President, Tristin Kilgore, has been interning in the Office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Hunter Steach, our Special Advisor, has been interning in the Office of Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09).

In their respective offices, Ryan, Tristin, and Hunter have played a crucial role in aiding constituents in the respective Pennsylvania Districts. They have led US Capitol Tours, answered countless phone calls, drafted response letters to concerned citizens, and helped direct them to appropriate resources for federal agencies. Outside of the constituent services, our members have helped do background research on various policy issues and aid the respective legislative staffs on advancing their Congressman’s priorities. 

Over the past two months, the House has been hard at work for the American people. Recently, the House Agriculture committee has passed the Farm Bill which is awaiting a vote on the House Floor. The Farm Bill makes critical investments in key federal agricultural programs to bring stability to producers, protect our nation’s food security, and revitalize rural America. On June 14th, the House passed the annual NDAA, or the National Defense Authorization Act for FY25 by a vote of 217-199. The bill authorizes Congress to appropriate a record $895.2 billion for military priorities across the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, a $9 billion increase over FY24. The final legislation was voted on after more than 300 amendments were considered. Of the nearly 1500 page bill, one of the marquee provisions is the 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted troops. Notable hearings conducted across House committees since our CRs have landed on the Hill for the summer include: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and more notable public figures. Even celebrities like Tom Brady, 50 Cent, Paris Hilton, and Usher have been milling around the Capitol complex in recent weeks!

Hey folks! Interning on the Hill has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my professional career, and I recommend that anyone and everyone interested in doing it apply somewhere. You won’t regret it.  In GT’s office, I’ve had a front-row seat to many of the developments on the Farm Bill and had the chance to help the House Agriculture Committee with many behind-the-scenes projects to run the markup successfully. Outside of that, I had the privilege to write three speeches that made it to the House Floor. It was great to learn about and highlight the many accomplishments of PA-15 residents! I had the opportunity to put together memos on so many policy areas, ranging from Energy Policy to Education, Immigration, and more. Attending hearings and briefings on these issues and many more have made this an experience that can’t be beat. There is nothing like seeing our Nation’s debates on fundamental issues happening in real-time. I am incredibly privileged to have had the experience I did with GT’s office in DC, and I am as proud as ever to be on Team GT!

Hi guys! As someone who has been interested in government and politics, interning on the Hill is a one of a kind experience that gives you so much insight into what goes into governing our nation and Congress. I have had the pleasure of serving the residents of Pennsylvania’s First District in the Office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Since beginning in May, I have worked all over the Capitol engaging with Foreign Dignitaries, attending hearings, meeting legislators, and helping to pass bills that will support Pennsylvanians. One of the most interesting experiences that I have had is witnessing the deliberation and discussion that goes into each vote. No matter the topic, bill, or amendment, much thought must be taken when deciding a Member of Congress’s vote. This process includes each member of an office’s staff from Interns to Legislative Directors to the Member themselves. It has given me time to research and work in policy areas of interest, such as tax reform, election integrity, and veterans’ affairs. Working in the House gave me the ability to see the challenges that every Representative must overcome to fulfill their promises and work for the American people. It is an experience that you cannot replace and one that I would recommend to anyone regardless of their major or area of interest.

Hello everyone! Glad to help put together this blog and give some insight on what it has been like from my vantage point interning on the Hill! I started as an intern in the Office of Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) in mid-May. Over my month and a half here in Washington, I have been able to see and do some really cool things from within our nation’s representative body. Some highlights include attending hearings and meetings with Congressmen Meuser, aiding with legislative research/projects for our office’s legislative staff, helping constituents on a daily basis, and giving tours to constituents throughout the Capitol. Congressman Meuser serves on the Financial Services and Small Business Committees. As the son of a small business owner and my main policy interest being the economy, being engaged with these issues has made this experience second to none. I have learned more in this short month and a half than I believe I ever have before! I recommend that for any of you who have even the slightest interest in interning in Congress, unequivocally do it!

In the coming weeks the House will vote on several key appropriations bills for the next fiscal year (FY25). Treasury Secretary Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell will testify before the House in early July. Most importantly, the House of Representatives will continue to serve the American people and advance common sense legislation before the 118th Congress comes to a close.