As a Member of the Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, Assistant Speaker Clark successfully secured an increase to intern pay of over $6 million   

Budget bill includes new funding for paid interns in Committee Offices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement on the FY2022 budget that includes an increase to intern and staff pay: 

“Internships are a stepping stone to opportunity – and when it comes to opening the doors to our democracy, they shouldn’t be limited to the wealthy and well-connected. I am proud to have successfully secured additional funding for paid internships in the FY2022 budget and new funding for paid interns within our Committee Offices. This will help ensure more Americans can be part of our government while being fairly compensated for their work. Both of these provisions are in addition to the Member Representational Allowance (MRA) increase that will enable pay raises for staff, another line item I have long fought for as a Member of the Appropriations Committee. House Democrats are bringing to life our commitment to worker’s rights and equity, and acting on the belief that our democracy is strongest when every American has a seat at the table.” 

The FY2022 bill provided $18.2 million in funding for paid interns in Member and Leadership offices. For the first time, the budget bill includes funding for paid internships within Committee offices with an allocation of $2.3 million. In total, funding for paid interns is increasing by $6.8 million from the FY2021 budget. 

Additionally, the bill includes language that directs the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in coordination with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a centralized House internship and fellowship office to provide support services to Congressional interns as well as act as a resource hub for committees and offices. This feasibility study includes addressing inequities in access to Congressional internships and will look at the viability of establishing an intern stipend program for interns from underrepresented backgrounds, including those who attend HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, and other MSIs.

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