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Bonamici Calls for House Offices to Pay Interns

September 6, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC [09/06/18] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, a leader on the House Education Committee, spoke out strongly in support of paying interns in Congressional offices.

"Many bright and motivated people simply cannot afford to take an unpaid internship, no matter how prestigious it might be, because they need to earn money to continue paying for college or to support themselves or their families," Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said on the House floor. "No one who is qualified who wants to intern on Capitol Hill should be precluded because of financial barriers."

"I am proud that I offer paid internships in my office so students and recent graduates have an opportunity to work and learn and gain experience. But paying interns doesn't just help them—it helps us too. My staff and I benefit greatly from having interns from all backgrounds and all walks of life working in our office. The diversity of perspectives is critical as I consider legislation and think about how best to serve my constituents, who are also from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life."

Video of Bonamici's floor speech can be found here.

Bonamici is a co-sponsor of the House Intern Pay Act, which was introduced by Congressman Adam Smith on Thursday. The legislation would provide funding for each Congressional office to fill a full-time, year-round internship position at a rate of $15 per hour.

Bonamici currently pays interns in both her D.C. and district offices.

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Issues:Education