Research Legislation if You Are an Intern on Capitol Hill



As an intern, you will typically be asked to perform research, or find answers, to the most random issues of public policy such as: How much did the Department of Agriculture spend on Pine Beetle prevention in 2001? Or, what tax incentives are available at the state level to encourage renewable energy? Since you are an intern, you are likely not receiving any monetary compensation, and are competing for one of the rare jobs that may or may not open up. Every assignment is really a trial for your future employment.

Steps

  1. Embrace your ignorance. It's okay to have absolutely no idea what your boss is talking about. Google the subject of the query and the word "legislation" or "appropriation". Scan the results results of the first few hits to get a general idea of the scope.
  2. Visit the Congressional Research Services' (CRS) website - only available through your office, the most important research tool that you have access to. This service is available through the Library of Congress, and provides reasonable information of the issues' background, the politics, and the relevant legislation. This is likely the most important source of research. You also can call CRS directly and talk to one of their experts. Either way, CRS has reports on everything that has ever been a federal legislative issue. Pay attention to the last section of the CRS report which will detail legislative history.
  3. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov and look up the current status of the legislation. Keep in mind that most bills are sent to committee and never make it out.
  4. If you are required to look up state legislation, you can retrieve statutes through Lexis-Nexis and usually through the state's General Assembly web page.
  5. Look into the agency that has jurisdiction over the issue at point. For example, for all foreign policy issues- always consult the State Department and the CIA Factbook- available online.
  6. Write a 1-3 page memo or outline format response. Save the fancy writing unless they ask you to.
  7. Check your grammar and spelling', and try to have a consistent turn-around of 1 or 2 days for all assignments.

Tips

  • It's okay to ask for more clarification, even for more information, but they asked you to complete an assignment. Budget your questions wisely.
  • Ask questions over email; it's less time-intrusive than knocking at their office every five minutes.
  • Again, even for the simplest assignment, exhibit proficiency, dedication, and enthusiasm.

Warnings

  • There are many issues that there may not be a CRS report, legislation, or any legitimate research on. Sometimes you might be researching an issue, and you can only find information about it on fringe web blogs. That is relevant. If the ELF is the only group running any information about the spotted gecko of Guam- that might be a significant insight. Again, this is why step 1 is important.

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