Internship and Page Opportunities
Internships are available in my Washington and District Offices.
WASHINGTON:
In Washington, internships run throughout the fall, spring or summer semesters for college students only. Although all internships in all offices are unpaid, students gain invaluable work experience. The hours are flexible to accommodate students' hectic course schedules, but generally run 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when Congress is in session, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when not in session.
In Washington, interns' responsibilities will vary. They will be asked to answer phones, run errands, research legislation for the Member and legislative staff, attend hearings and briefings and answer constituent letters on various issues before the House. As a result, interns learn about the legislative process and the many other functions of a congressional office.
If you are attending college and are interested in serving in my Washington office, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Congressman Brian Bilbray
Attention: Intern Coordinator
2348 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
DISTRICT:
District office internships run throughout the year for reliable and enthusiastic students interested in an internship in an exciting office environment.
DESCRIPTION:
Although all internships are unpaid, interns will gain invaluable work experience with opportunities for academic credit and will also be given opportunities to make career contacts. District office hours run 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students' schedules.
Interns will assist with the operations of the Congressman’s local district office. Interns may be asked to do a variety of things, including day-to-day office work such as answering phones, writing letters, research and other projects. In addition, interns may be assigned to assist in constituent casework or work on district-based projects of importance.
SKILLS:
Writing and verbal communication skills; ability to work with minimal supervision; general research experience; knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs. Understanding of federal issues, political structure and policy making processes helpful, but not required.
Applicants send your resume, cover letter and contact information to:
Congressman Brian P. Bilbray
Attention: Intern Coordinator
380 Stevens Avenue, Suite 212
San Diego, CA 92075
Telephone: (858) 350-1150
Fax: (858) 350-0750
PAGE OPPORTUNITIES:
Instructions for filling out an application to the Summer Page Program:
Currently sixty-six young men and women are appointed by their Member of Congress to serve as Pages in the U.S. House of Representatives. Twenty-two slots are reserved for Republican Pages.
Page applications are accepted on the condition that our office has been instructed to do so by the leadership of the House of Representatives. Please keep in mind that our office may not be accepting Page applications, due to the fact that we do not have positions open every year.
To be eligible for the summer program, applicants must be 16 years of age at the time of their appointment, have a "B" average or better, and be willing to serve as a page for approximately one month during the summer before or after their junior year of high school. The definition of a "B" average is a 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or an 80 or better on a 100-point scale. Summer applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may have their application reviewed by the Page Board for consideration. Applicants should submit a completed application to their Member of Congress for review and recommendation. The Speaker's Office will not accept applications from students directly - ONLY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS MAY FORWARD AN APPLICATION.
An official transcript of all grades (from 9th grade through at least the first semester of the current year) is required to verify the cumulative grade point average of "B" or better in the major courses. Only grades in the following subject areas will be included in the GPA tally: English, science, mathematics, social studies, and foreign language ELECTIVES ARE NOT INCLUDED.
Along with the application form and transcript, the following items are required: social security number, a signed parental consent form, a 50-100 word essay on why they want to become a Republican Page, a resume of extra-curricular activities, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of support from the sponsoring Republican Member of Congress. Member must also submit a member Certification form indicating their knowledge of sponsorship of the student. The committee will consider only complete applications submitted in writing by a Republican Member.
The workday begins at 9:00 a.m. for summer Pages and extends to at least 5:00 p.m., or until the House adjourns for the day - whichever is later. The Pages report to their Page Supervisor where the first order of the day may be filing the Congressional Record from the previous day's proceedings. The Pages serve primarily as messengers, delivering legislative material between the various buildings of Capitol Hill. During the course of the day, the Pages accumulate points for "runs" (or deliveries). Those with the highest number of points may be excused early when the House goes into late-night sessions.
The dress required for males is a navy blazer, long sleeved white shirt, dark gray slacks, dark socks, dark shoes, and a standard issue tie. For females, a navy blazer, long sleeved white blouse, dark gray skirt or dark gray pants, dark shoes, appropriate hose, and a standard issue tie are required. The ties, which are provided during orientation, are navy with red and white stripes.
Pages are required to live at the Page Residence Hall, 501 First Street, S.E., under the supervision of a director, assistant director, and four proctors who reside on the premises. The first floor is set aside for males and the second floor for females.
The triple rooms are furnished with twin beds, dressers, desks, and chairs. Each of the rooms has a large walk-in closet, a study area, toll-controlled telephone, private bathroom, and three air-conditioning units. A community room with color television is available on the first floor. A kitchen and pantry area is also available for Page use. A laundry room, study room, computer room, and fitness room are all located on the second floor.
The pages are paid approximately $1,939 gross per month, with an automatic payroll deduction of $400 to cover the cost of the dorm and five breakfasts, five lunch and seven dinner meals per week. It will be prorated for less than a month. They are responsible for their transportation to and from Washington and their uniform. In addition, a one-time refundable security deposit of $100 payable to the U.S. Treasury is required for the dorm.
Please keep in mind that Pages are employees of the U.S. House of Representatives, and are an important part of the legislative process. Before making your decision to become a page, it is imperative that you understand that all family activities, as well as home school and community activities, which would interrupt your Page School and/or work activities must be put on hold until you are no longer a Page. Pages will not be permitted to return home to attend family reunions, parent promotion ceremonies, family trips, home school activities such as conferences, sports events, proms, etc., if they occur during the work week.
Please send your completed Page Application to:
Congressman Brian Bilbray
Attention: Page Applications
2348 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515