Constituent Services

Visiting Washington, DC

As your Senator, I would like to personally welcome you to our nation's capital and offer my assistance during your stay in Washington, DC.

No matter what time of the year you are planning to visit, you will find a rich mixture of diverse historical attractions, museums, monuments, and an exciting variety of arts and cultural venues.

Please take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the information below and links to individual tour information to help plan your trip and discover many sights to see. It is our hope that your curiosity will be piqued by the information provided and that the links will be comprehensive and useful for planning your trip, well in advance.
After deciding which tours you would like to request, simply go to the tour request form, fill out the information requested, including which tour or tours you are interested in, and submit.

Also, while in DC please join Senator Tester, Congressman Daines, and myself for our weekly Montana Coffee open house every Wednesday morning when the Senate is in session. I would enjoy talking with you then and having our picture taken together. To sign up for Montana Coffee, please select "Montana Coffee" on the tour request form.
My staff is ready to assist you and is happy to answer any questions you might have. We can be reached at (202) 224-2651.

Janet and I wish you a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip.

Planning Your Trip

If you are planning to visit our nation's capital, my office can attempt to arrange tours and tickets to some of this city's sites.  Please note that because these services are very popular, we typically require notice of five to six weeks in advance, and request fulfillment is determined only at the discretion of attractions.

Once you have previewed all available tours and submitted the tour request form, the office will begin the process of scheduling your tours.  Please note that each tour has specific requirements necessary for scheduling purposes.  For example, some destinations accept requests no earlier than 3 months in advance whereas other tours will not accept requests without at least one week's notice.  The White House tours are the last to be confirmed, and sometimes are confirmed with as little notice as two weeks.

You will be contacted within a week of your tour request.  It's not advisable to wait for a confirmed tour before making travel arrangements because attractions sometimes confirm tours with very short notice.

Tips for Making Your Tour Request

  • Please plan ahead.  Many tours fill up quickly, especially during holidays and in the spring and summer months.
  • When listing your arrival and departure dates on the tour request form, please only list your available tour dates.  This will ensure that we do not schedule a tour on a day that you will be coming in or leaving town.
  • We are happy to work around your schedule, so please keep us updated if you make other plans during your visit to Washington, DC.
  • Please tell us if you've contacted any other congressional offices with a tour request so we can work together to avoid scheduling conflicts and double bookings.
  • As soon as your travel plans are firm, fill out and submit the tour request form.

Timeline for Request Deadlines

TOUR

DEADLINE (ORDERED FROM MOST NOTICE REQUIRED TO THE LEAST)

State Department

Three months.

White House

Three months (April-July); One month (August-March).

National Archives

Six weeks (April through July); Flexible other months of the year (August-March).

National Parks

One month.

Pentagon

Two weeks to three months.

Kennedy Center

One week to one month.

Library of Congress

One week to one month.

Supreme Court

One week to one month.

Treasury Building

One week.

Bureau of Printing and Engraving

Two weeks (April-July); Flexible other months of the year (August-March).

Holocaust Memorial Museum

One to two weeks (March-August); No tickets required (September-February).

Capitol Building

One to two weeks' notice, but we will try to accommodate all requests.

Montana Coffee

The Monday prior to the Montana Coffee you wish to attend. More information on upcoming Montana Coffees is available on the Montana Coffee page.

If you have questions or concerns about the tour request form, please call (202) 224-2651.

Available Attractions

My office can attempt to arrange various tours.  To learn more regarding these tours, click on each below.

There are also Other Monuments or Memorials in the DC area that might be of interest during your stay as well as a variety of Special and Seasonal Events held throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How do I get around Washington, DC?

Washington, DC is a major, modern city with plenty of transportation options.  For travelling around DC and the surrounding area, the Metro, DC's subway system, is clean and easily accessible throughout most of the city.  Fares range from $1.90 to over $5.00 and change depending on the time you travel and the distance between your stops.  For more information about the Metro, visit http://www.wmata.com/rail.

Washington is also a very walkable city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.  For locations that are not accessible by Metro, Washington has plenty of taxis that can be hailed from the street or called ahead to your location.  For an estimation of a taxi fare, visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/dc-taxi-fare-calculator.  DC also has a very extensive bus network, with information found at http://www.wmata.com/bus.

Driving in DC can get crowded, especially during rush hours in the morning and late afternoon.  The streets in DC are organized in a grid pattern with overlapping diagonal streets named after U.S. States and Territories.  DC has access to interstates I-66, I-295, and I-395 along with many other U.S. and local routes.  The "Beltway", or I-495, circles the surrounding DC suburbs.  Having a map handy to navigate the streets while driving, and to avoid the many one-way streets or temporary closures, is invaluable.  Keep in mind that parking can be hard to find and expensive in the District.

2.  I'm flying into DC.  How do I get to a Metro station or my hotel?

There are different public transportation methods to help you get to your final destination.  Washington Regan National Airport has a direct link to the Metro on the Blue and Yellow Lines.  Washington Dulles has a bus (5A) that runs from the airport to different Metro stops, including Rosslyn on the Orange and Blue Lines.  DC Airports also have taxi stands and shared ride companies that will take you directly to wherever you are staying if you do not want to use public transit.  For time schedules and fares for the airport buses, visit http://www.wmata.com.

3. How do I navigate the Metro system?

The Metro has 5 different lines designated by color: Red, Blue, Orange, Green, and Yellow.  All trains on a certain line stop at every station covered by that line.  Trains and platforms are marked by the color of the line and the final destination of the train.  For example, a train to "Glenmont" on the Red Line is traveling to Glenmont but will stop at every station on the red line along the way. Helpful maps are posted throughout the Metro system to help with finding the correct train and line to get to your final destination.

Metro fares are calculated based upon the length and time of travel.  Fares are posted above each of the fare machines located before you enter the station platform.  Be aware that trips using a paper farecard instead of the plastic Smartrip card cost $1 more than the posted fare.  If you have any questions, stations have staff on duty when the station is open.  The system does not run 24 hours, with the system closing around midnight from Sunday to Thursday and on holidays and at 3:00 am Friday and Saturday.  For the specific time a station closes, look at the signage for the last train posted at every station.

To help make riding the Metro easier, keep in mind all food and drink are prohibited on the Metro system.  Also, it is common practice on all escalators to stand on the right side of the escalator and to walk on the left side.  Washingtonians tend to be in a rush!  Finally, keep your farecard handy as you travel, as it will be needed to pass through a fare gate both when you enter and exit the Metro system.  Each person must have his/her own farecard.  The whole metro system meets ADA requirements.  For more information on navigating the Metro, visit http://www.wmata.com.

4.  Why is the U.S. capitol city called Washington, DC?

The Constitution specifies that Congress has the power to create a "federal city" from which to conduct its business.  From this power, the city called Washington, named after George Washington, was built as the national capitol.  At the time, the area surrounding Washington was rural and pastoral, so Congress named the parts outside of the new city the "Territory of Columbia," after Christopher Columbus.  When the territory and the city were merged into one administrative unit, the City of Washington was placed in the newly named District of Columbia, making the city's name Washington, DC.

5.  What is the story behind the Cherry Blossoms?  When do they bloom?

In 1912, Japan donated a set of flowering Cherry trees to the United States as a token of friendship.  These trees, planted around the tidal basin, formed the core of a large collection of cherry trees in Washington, DC.  Today, the beauty of the tree's pink or white springtime flowers is celebrated with a National Cherry Blossom Festival held in the spring.  For more information on the historic Cherry trees, visit the National Park Service website at: http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-history.htm.

6.  Where is Montana Avenue in Washington, DC?

Montana Avenue is located in the northeast area of Washington, DC closest to the Rhode Island metro stop on the Red line.

7.  What is the weather like in DC? Should I pack my winter coat?

DC has four distinct seasons.  Summers tend to be hot and humid, with high temperatures averaging in the mid to high 80's with plenty of humidity to make the air feel more like the mid 90s.  Summer nights stay warm in the high 60s to low 70s.  Winters are somewhat mild, compared to Montana standards, with average high temperatures in the mid 40s and low temperatures in the mid 20s.  Snow in the winter does happen, but accumulations are usually lower than in Montana.  Spring and fall have highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s and above freezing nighttime lows.  Be prepared with an umbrella for rain in any season, but especially during the spring!

8.  What are some helpful maps?

9.  How can I get a taste for the jazz scene in DC?

Every Friday evening from late May until the end of August, the National Gallery of Art hosts the Jazz in the Garden Series from 5:00 to 8:30 pm.  This free concert series features an array of jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles, including salsa, blusion, vibraphone, and Afrofunk.  Guests may purchase food and beverages from the Pavilion Cafe and its carts located around the Garden or bring their own picnics.   Security officers reserve the right to inspect all items brought into the Sculpture Garden.  For the safety of visitors and works of art, access to the Sculpture Garden will be limited if the space becomes too crowded.  Concerts may be cancelled due to excessive heat or inclement weather.  For more information, please check out: http://www.nga.gov/programs/jazz/.

10.  What is Senate Recess?

Recess is a temporary interruption of the Senate's proceedings, sometimes within the same day.  The Senate may also recess overnight rather than adjourn at the end of the day.  Recess also refers to long breaks, typically for holiday periods, pursuant to concurrent resolution and often allows Senators to more easily go home to the state.  To learn more about Senate proceedings and other terminology, please visit www.senate.gov.

11.  How does legislation move through Congress?

Without a doubt, one of the most beloved (and helpful) explanations of the legislative process is the song "I'm Just a Bill" from School House Rock.  This classic can be accessed at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-eYBZFEzf8.  You can also track the progress of legislation through Congress at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.

Flag Requests

The American flag is an important symbol of patriotic pride for the United States.  It is John’s pleasure to make these available to his constituents. You can request an American flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol, for the cost of the flag, certification, and shipping.  Flags are requested for various occasions: to honor someone's birthday, for Eagle Scout ceremonies, or in memory of a loved one.

His staff will forward the flag to you through the mail immediately after receiving it from the flag office in the Capitol.  The time between ordering and receiving a flag is typically 2-3 weeks.  When submitting the order form to his office, please address it to the attention of the flag coordinator.

Flag Order Form

Please note:

  • Flags must be purchased before they can be flown; a check or money order for the complete amount must accompany your request before the flag can be ordered.
  • We can only accept flag requests from Montana residents.  If you are not from Montana, please contact the senators from your state to request a flag.
  • We cannot accept flag requests via telephone.  If you have any questions, please call (202) 224-2651.

Help with a Federal Agency

John is pleased to provide casework assistance to Montana residents. John considers it his primary responsibility to ensure that all constituents have an effective forum to resolve any problem you may be having with a federal government agency. Some examples of this assistance include problems with social security checks; workers' compensation claims; military service problems; veterans' benefits; and immigration problems.

John encourages you to contact one of his state offices closest to you to relate a problem you may be having with a federal agency. A caseworker will get the information and may act as a liaison with the government agency. The office can resolve communication problems, paperwork glitches, and get things back on track with the appropriate agency.

Please send a detailed letter describing your problem and the Privacy Release Form to the state office nearest you.

Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act 1974 (Title 5, Section 552A of the U.S. Code) before John can make an inquiry on your behalf, John must have your permission.

Privacy Release Form

IRS Authorization Form

Grants

Many state and local governments, nonprofit groups, and community action organizations are eligible for grants. A "grant" is a general term that covers thousands of federal and private funding programs. These programs are available to help organizations that are generally not self-sustaining entities. This assistance takes many forms, including direct funding, low-interest loans, surplus property, technical advice and assistance and resources. Individuals needing assistance with their personal finances are not eligible. Although some small business owners may seek some forms of assistance, grants typically are not awarded to businesses. However, loans may be available to individuals seeking to start a business or students needing help covering the cost of their education.

Although John is unable to influence the awarding of grant money, below are some resources to help you find funding for your project. John can also provide a letter of support, in most cases, which you can include in your grant application. To request a letter of support, please visit my Request a Grant Letter of Support page.

Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance

Guidance and key resources to help eligible grantseekers find information on federal grants, loans, and nonfinancial assistance, as well as on private funding.

Prepared by the Congressional Research Service for the U.S. Senate, updated November 2014.  

How Best to Find Information

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  1. Find out Who is eligible for a Grant? Other government websites may be more suitable for personal needs, student loans, small business assistance, or other business opportunities such as government contracting. The website Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid may also be of help.
  2. If eligible, search for programs in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Includes grants, loans, business and nonfinancial help.
  3. Contact federal office given in CFDA program description: if state or local office is indicated, check Regional Agency Offices at top of CFDA website for addresses.
  4. Go to federal websites given in each CFDA program description for more information and for state administering agencies responsible for managing these programs.
  5. Check current federal grants opportunities at Grants.gov, obtain a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, register with System for Award Management (SAM), and apply online (links and instructions given at the website). Additional notices appear at FedConnect.
  6. Search foundations for project funding: use the Foundation Center website or Foundation Information Network resources in libraries to identify national, state, and community foundations.
  7. Learn how to write grant proposals: follow CFDA's Developing and Writing Grant ProposalsWriting Grants Proposals, or take the free online Foundation Center Proposal Writing Short Course.

Key Federal Funding Sources

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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance   (General Services Administration)
The CFDA, issued annually and updated continuously on the Web, describes some 1600 federal grants and non-financial assistance programs. Grantseekers can identify programs that might support their projects and can learn the program's objectives, requirements, application procedures and contacts. For current notices of funding availability, see Grants.gov or FedConnect.

Grants.gov  (via Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Federal grants website that allows eligible grantseekers (see Who is eligible for a Grant?) to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grantseekers can check on notices of funding availability (NOFAs) posted in the last 7 days; access RSS feeds of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants through a unified process by downloading the application and submitting online. The website guides grantseekers in obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, registering with System for Award Management (SAM), and registering with Grants.gov to apply and to track applications. For full federal program descriptions, see CFDA below. See also website FedConnect for additional grants and contracts opportunities.

State 'Single Points of Contact'  (Office of Management and Budget)
Under Executive Order 12372, some states require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The state offices listed here coordinate federal financial assistance and may direct federal development. For help in identifying state-level grants, other state government agencies websites may be found at State and Local Agencies.

CFDA in Local Libraries  (Government Printing Office)
Although CFDA is available full-text on the Internet, some may prefer a print edition. However, only the Web version is continuously updated-- the published volume is annual with no supplements. The CFDA is available in all states in Federal Depository Libraries -- click on FDLP Public Page.

Related Federal Resources

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A-Z Index of U.S. Department and Agencies  (General Services Administration)
To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency's Home Page to learn more about its programs and objectives. The site USA.gov also links to Government Benefits, Grants and Financial Aid.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Funding (Department of Energy)
Grants are EERE's primary funding vehicle for businesses, industries, universities and others. Most EERE grants are awarded on merit on a competitive basis. See also EERE Financial Opportunities and listings on Grants.gov or FedConnect. For state-by-state information on state, local. utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, search DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency). 

DHS Financial Assistance  (Department of Homeland Security)
Most Homeland Security non-disaster grant programs are designated for state and local governments and specific entities such as colleges, etc. Unsolicited applications from individuals are generally not accepted. Includes Urban Area Security Initiative, Citizens Corps, Medical Response System, Operation Stonegarden (border security), Infrastructure Protection. Contact homeland security State Offices. Programs for firefighters may be found at Assistance to Firefighters.

USA.gov for Business  (GSA)
Includes contracting with the federal government, international trade and exporting, and small business. See also financial assistance links at the Small Business Administration website.

FedBizOpps.gov  (GSA)
Official website posting business, contracting, and procurement opportunities with the federal government. Useful information for vendors, including FBO Demonstration Videos and Frequently Asked Questions, appear under the Getting Started tab. Search options include an advanced search form for more targeted filtering of current opportunities.

USA.gov for Nonprofits  (GSA)
Links to federal department and agency information and service for nonprofit organizations, including fundraising and outreach, grants, loans and other assistance, laws and regulations, management and operations, online services, registration and licensing, and tax information. The White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships includes information on Grants and Resources.

Student Aid on the Web (Department of Education)
Financial assistance for education beyond high school is generally "needs-based" and often includes loans and work-study, in addition to some grants. College and university applications, websites, and brochures usually include financial aid information for prospective and incoming students.

GovBenefits.gov  (via Department of Labor)
Government grants are not direct assistance to individuals, but fund state and local programs providing help to those in need. This online screening site can be used to identify state and local government benefits and how to apply. Covers direct payments, loans, insurance, training, or other services.

FTC Consumer Alert  (Federal Trade Commission)
The FTC warns consumers to beware of paying "processing fees" for information that is available free to the public. Ads claiming federal grants are available for home repairs, home business, unpaid bills, or other personal expenses are often a scam.

OMB Grants Management Web Site   (Office of Management and Budget)
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars and common rules.  OMB Circulars  are cited in CFDA program descriptions and may be printed out fulltext.

Private and Corporate Funding Sources

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The Foundation Center
Gateway to information about private funding sources, the grantseeking process, guidelines on writing a grant proposal, addresses of state libraries with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet websites. The Center maintains a comprehensive database on foundations; produces print and electronic directories and guides; conducts research and publishes studies in the field; and offers a variety of training and educational seminars.

Grants Resources by State  (Grantsmanship Center)
Click on state map to find links to information about a state's foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs and the state's home page.

Merete F.Gerli, CRS

Business Opportunities with the Federal Government

Business Opportunities with the Federal Government

Information gateway, prepared by the Congressional Research Service for the U.S. Senate, provides guidance and online procurement procedures for doing business with the federal government, updated February 2014.

Information and Training

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Learning how to sell successfully to the U.S. government, the world's largest buyer of goods and services, can be daunting. Most of the process is conducted online: using a computer is essential. Here are suggested approaches:

  • Update your company's business plan, highlighting special skills and expertise that might be of interest to government agencies.
  • Review your company's marketing strategy and goals.
  • Learn federal procurement processes and terms
  • Government Contracting (SBA)
    Resources to help you sell your products and services to the federal government.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
    Provides a step-by-step guide for selling to the government, with tips on bidding, marketing, and competing for government contracts, and links to free online courses.
  • Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
    Provides an on-line system that allows minority business firms to register the company with the MBDA ’s database to access contract opportunities and other resources.
  • General Services Administration (GSA)
    As the government's chief acquisitions agency, GSA spends billions of dollars annually on products and services offered to all federal agencies.
  • Doing Business with GSA
    Covers government procedures, marketing strategies, and bidding procedures for contracts. Also lists important contacts, such as the 11 GSA regional centers and technical advisors for small businesses.
  • Office of Small Business Utilization
    Through outreach activities in regional offices, promotes increased access to GSA's nationwide procurement opportunities for small, minority, veteran, HUBZone, and women business owners.
  • GSA Training Programs
    Online and onsite courses for vendors and small business, for federal employees, and for state and local government officials.
  • Contact offices in your state or region
  • Speak with a procurement specialist or contracting officer about federal government buying procedures.
  • Ask questions about application procedures, technical requirements, and marketing suggestions.
  • Attend procurement programs, which provide opportunities for business people to meet directly with government officials and to learn from other companies involved in federal contracting.
  • Small Business Development Centers
    Located in every state, these centers advise and train businesses in financial matters, including certification procedures for small and minority businesses. They are an excellent first stop for any business, especially those with little or no previous experience in dealing with federal procurement.
  • Minority Business Development Agency
    MBDA Network regional enterprise centers provide resources for minority-owned firms.
  • Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
    Although the main focus is providing technical assistance on selling to the military, the centers cover marketing to all government agencies through counseling, training, and procurement programs.
  • GSA Regions Overview
    The contracting officers are familiar with the procurement needs of the federal facilities located in their region.

Registration Requirements

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Registration is required to compete for federal government procurement and contracts.

Review Small Business Certification and Audiences. If your business is classified as a small or disadvantaged business, this certification may lead to more business opportunities.

Additional statistical codes, required for many government forms:

Federal Business Opportunities

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FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities)
Single point of entry for announcements of federal contract opportunities over $25,000, both civilian and military. Serves both federal agencies as buyers and businesses as vendors.

For continuing business, apply to be a GSA Schedule contractor. Under the GSA Schedules Program, also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms. The GSA application and approval process "to get on the Schedule" may take considerable time but may be worth it for future business with government agencies.

  • Getting on Schedule
    Application and approval process "to get on the Schedule" can take considerable time but may be worth it for future business with government agencies.
  • GSA Training
    Includes Training for Vendors, such as Need Help Getting on Schedule?

Subcontracting Opportunities

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A federal contract may be so large that a single company might have difficulty in providing the products or services required to meet the terms of the contract. A prime contractor may need to use subcontractors to complete contractual obligations.

  • SUB-Net (SBA Subcontracting Network)
    Identify subcontract opportunities by reviewing the postings of prime contractors.
  • Subcontracting Opportunities (SBA)
    Identify prime contractors through a listing of contractors, with addresses and phone numbers, by state.
  • Subcontracting Directory (GSA)
    GSA contrators with subcontracting plans and goals. Companies are listed within each of the eleven GSA regions. For each, gives products and services offered, and the small business contact within the company.

Selling to the Military and DOD

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Specialized Information on Selling to the Military

Many of the DOD contract announcements and registration requirements for businesses have been incorporated into FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities), with registration at System for Awards Management (SAM). However, there are often special requirements for selling to the military. The vast majority of DOD contracts are awarded by DOD field organizations, or specific mission-oriented agencies within an organization.

Merete F.Gerli, CRS

Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in serving the United States by attending a service academy.

The United States Service Academies provide an excellent opportunity for qualified students to receive a fine education and graduate as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Services. Appointments are highly competitive. Senator Walsh considers each candidate's application strictly on merit, based on evidence of character, scholarship, leadership ability, physical aptitude, goal, and motivation.

Keep in mind that each academy has its own application process. You must meet these requirements and be accepted for admission to attend an academy. Nomination alone is not sufficient, as each academy reviews nominees to ensure they are scholastically and physically qualified. Visit the links below to learn more about applying to each of the academies.

Application for nomination is very competitive. Senator Walsh makes ten nominations for each academy vacancy each year. The academy admissions committee then selects from those ten candidates those they determine to be the most qualified for admission.

Each U.S. Senator is authorized to have a maximum of five cadets enrolled at each academy. Therefore, it is in your best interest to apply to every person who has authority to nominate you (including Senator Tester, Representative Daines, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and the Secretary of the Army, Navy, or Air Force). Further information regarding application procedures for these nominations is available through each academy's website listed below.

If you receive a nomination from another source, in most cases, Senator Walsh will not duplicate that nomination. Multiple nominations will not help any applicant in the admissions process. Please contact Senator Walsh’s Great Falls office if you are nominated by another authority.

Please carefully consider which academy you select as your first choice. Second choices are considered only in the event that there are not enough qualified candidates who designate an academy as their first choice, which rarely happens.

Eligibility

Applicants for nomination must meet the following requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to a service academy:

  • Applicant must be at least 17 years of age but not older than 23 years of age (25 years of age for the Merchant Marine Academy);
  • Applicant must be a United States Citizen and a permanent resident of Montana;
  • Applicant must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents;
  • Applicant must demonstrate comprehensive academic preparation.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Certain information is required as outlined below in order for you to be considered as an applicant. The best time to apply for a nomination is the spring of your junior year of high school. It is your responsibility to submit the necessary information to my Great Falls office and to keep it updated. The deadline for receipt of information is December 1 prior to the year of entry. Candidates whose files are incomplete when the nominations are made cannot be given consideration. If you have concerns about meeting the deadline, please call my Great Falls office at (406) 761-1574.

  1. Online Application Form and Essay Questions

Completion of the online application form initiates your application for nomination. Visit the online application center and fill out the application to start the process towards nomination. You can monitor the progress of you application online as your materials are received by Senator Walsh’s office.

The application is available here.

  1. SAT/ACT Scores

Your scores from the SAT and/or ACT are required for application to the service academies. Applicants must complete the SAT and/or ACT exam and submit an official score report to the academies and Senator Walsh’s office. The SAT and ACT tests administered in November are the latest test administration that will meet the application deadline on December 1 any given year. Send your score report to SAT Code or ACT Code.

  1. School Transcript

An official transcript from your high school record and class record must be submitted to Senator Walsh’s Great Falls office. This transcript must show your current grades and numerical class rank (percentile ranks are not acceptable). If you apply before this information is available, it is your responsibility to submit an up-to-date transcript and to keep your records current. Submit your transcript to the address below.

  1. Counselor Recommendation Form

The recommendation form must be completed by your High School Principal or Guidance Counselor. Your High School Principal or Guidance Counselor must fill out and submit the recommendation form.

The application is available here.

  1. Letters of Recommendation

 Provide 3 letters of recommendation: teacher, principal or guidance counselor; from an employer, coach, or extracurricular faculty advisor; and from a person of your choice who is not related to you. Please submit the three letters of reference to Senator Walsh’s Great Falls office.

Direct Application Materials:

Senator John Walsh
113 3rd St N
Great Falls, MT 59401

You can reach Senator Walsh’s Nomination Coordinator by calling (406) 761-1574 if you have additional questions.

Links to Service Academy Websites

Contact the Academy(s) in which you are interested so they can create an applicant file for you. Each academy requires the submission of a preliminary application to initiate the admissions process.

U.S. Air Force Academy: http://www.usafa.af.mil
U.S. Military Academy: http://www.usma.edu
U.S. Naval Academy: http://www.usna.edu
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: http://www.usmma.edu
U.S. Coast Guard Academy: http://www.cga.edu (no congressional nomination required)

Internships

Interning in John’s office can be a rewarding and educational experience for any student.  Internships are offered in both the DC and state offices. Interns have an opportunity to participate in three areas of operation: legislative, administrative, and press. Interns are assigned specific legislative topics and assist with all office operations, as necessary. As an intern's contributions to the office are important, a responsible commitment, willingness to work hard, and a positive attitude are essential to the success of an intern's experience.

While the positions are unpaid, this experience gives our interns valuable insights into the workings of the U.S. Congress and is a great chance to help serve fellow Montanans.

The application is available here.

Pages

PAGE PROGRAM SEMESTERS

  • SPRING (January 29 to June 8) - December Appointment
  • FALL (September to Mid January) - August Appointment
  • SUMMER (3 Weeks after July) - June Appointment
  • SUMMER (3 Weeks End of July to Early August) - June Appointment

*All applications are due three months prior to the appointment month.

Your interest in the United States Senate Page program indicated a willingness to learn about and contribute to the legislative branch of government. Perhaps such an association will crystallize a future for you in service to the United States and its people, as it has for pages of past generations.

The Page Program exposes students to many interesting and challenging experiences. Living away from home and attending school with students from across the country allow pages to experience a myriad of new ideas, perspectives, and issues. Pages meet some of the nation’s most prominent leaders and witness firsthand the political debates of the United States Senate, often referred to as the “greatest deliberative body in the world.”

Pages play an important role in the daily operation of the Senate. Their shared responsibilities consist primarily of delivering correspondence and legislative material within the congressional complex, taking messages for Senators or calling them to the phone, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.

Page eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The Page Program requires each page to provide a certificate of immunization and general health assessment, completed by a licensed physician. Pages must be covered by health insurance; if not covered, they will be required to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Pages must be citizens of the United States or subject to agreements of the Department of State, and must have a social security number. Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $21,978.

A Page’s day begins at 6:15 a.m. upon reporting to the United States Senate Page School, which is accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools. The Page School provides as smooth a transition as possible to and from the home school. In addition to providing the necessary requisites for a junior year course of study including mathematics, English, social studies, and science, the Page School offers a Field Studies Program to assure each pupil’s participation in and exposure to the unique educational and cultural opportunities in the nation’s capital. Foreign language study may be accomplished with the assistance of the page’s school at home. Tutors will be provided, but all work must be completed outside the scheduled school and work hours.

The Senate Page School is located on the lower level of Webster Hall, the Senate Page Residence. The school year consists of two semesters. The first semester runs from September through mid-January, the second from mid-January until June, and there are two sessions during the summer months. Pages must verify a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a sending school transcript to qualify for attendance at the school. Questions specific to the Page School should be directed to Mrs. Kathryn Weeden, Principal, United States Senate Page School, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-7248, telephone (202) 224-3926.

Following classes at the Page School, which extend until 9:45 a.m. or one hour prior to the commencement of the Senate, pages report to the Capitol and work until 6:00 p.m. or until the Senate adjourns for the day. If the Senate is not in session, the Page’s work day ends at 4:00 p.m. When sessions extend past 10:00 p.m., the next day’s classes may be postponed.

Pages are required to live in the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence during the school year. The cost of living in the residence hall is $600 per month and includes two meals each day. Payment is made through payroll deduction. A security deposit of $250 is required before checking in and is refundable when it has been determined that no damage has occurred to the residence.

Webster Hall is located on Capitol Hill. Staff includes the Program Director, Administrative Aide and five proctors. Four proctors reside full time in Webster Hall. The living quarters include two floors, one of which is designated for females, the other for males. Each floor has a community day room for social activity. Page rooms are designed for four to six occupants and furnished with twin size bunk or loft style beds, desks, chairs, and bureaus. Each room has closet space, a bathroom, and a telephone. Laundry and kitchen facilities are provided within the building.

United States Capitol Police maintain a 24-hour security desk and a provision that requires all individuals to present identification and all visitors to sign in. Capitol Police patrol the neighborhood throughout the day and night. Webster Hall is monitored by a security alarm system, and all emergency and safety measures required by the District of Columbia for community life structures are present and enforced.

Dress requirements for males are a navy blue suit, a white long-sleeved shirt, a plain navy tie, black laced shoes and dark socks. Females wear a navy pant suit, a white long-sleeved shirt, black laced shoes and dark socks. The Page Program provides uniforms for pages.

Senate Pages must be sponsored by a Senator. There are 30 page positions in the United States Senate which serve its one hundred members; therefore, not all Senators are able to appoint pages. Due to the limited number of positions and the volume of interested students, competition is keen and, unfortunately, not all students who seek a position can be accommodated.

Senators may also appoint students for the Summer Page Program. This program typically consists of two sessions, each running three of four weeks depending upon the legislative calendar. Since space is limited in Webster Hall, pages may live with their parents or a relative in the area; alternate housing arrangements must be submitted in writing by the parents or a legal guardian for approval by the Page Program Director.

In order to apply for a sponsorship by Senator Walsh, you must fill out the application form.

The application is available here.