Congressman Pat Tiberi's Capitol Notebook

CONGRESSMAN PAT TIBERI'S CAPITOL NOTEBOOK

WASHINGTON-If you have stopped by my Washington D.C. office in the last few months for a tour, you have probably met one of my interns. Interns give tours of the Capitol twice a day to visiting constituents, as well as provide much needed help with office work for me and my staff.

I've found that most interns are interested in history and learning about the way government works, so the tours are often their favorite part of their job. Sara Igdaloff, who spent two months assisting me in Washington, told me that, "Giving tours of the Capitol was one of the highlights of my day. I loved interacting with constituents and sharing my love of history with them. Every trip in the Rotunda was a meaningful and inspiring experience."

Other intern duties include responding to letters, researching issues, running errands, organizing files, answering phones and attending to constituent requests. The work they do is not always fun or interesting, but it makes a big difference in keeping my office running smoothly.

This year, my Washington interns had several opportunities to witness history. As many of you saw on television, former President Reagan laid in state in the Capitol building following his death this past spring. My interns were able to watch the processional as well as pay their respects in the Rotunda. Brad Bailey of Westerville saw it all firsthand. "Watching the soldiers carry President Reagan's casket up the Capitol steps from only a few feet away is something I will never forget," he said.

Interns sometimes accompany my staff and me to committee meetings. This summer, my interns witnessed debates on bills having to do with education, government reform, and financial services issues. Watching these meetings gave them the opportunity to learn more about specific subjects in which they are interested. They also saw how much work is involved in making a bill into a law.

When answering the phones and going through the mail, the interns quickly learned that constituents won't hesitate to let us know how they feel about issues before Congress. Phone calls on matters such as the Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution came in bunches this summer. It would have been difficult to keep track of all of them without the extra manpower the interns provided.

Internships aren't limited to just my Washington D.C. office. We also have interns providing invaluable assistance at my Columbus location. There, they do much the same work as in Washington: sorting and opening mail, helping to draft responses, and working to meet constituent requests.

I've had perhaps two dozen interns assist me during my four years in Congress, and all have impressed me with their ambition and enthusiasm. In fact, three of them are now working for you as full time members of my staff.

Internships in both locations are unpaid and given to college students from the 12th congressional district. We are always looking for good interns in both offices. Interested college students should send their requests to Sally Testa in the Columbus office at 614-523-2555. Those interested in working in my Washington D.C. office should contact Lindsay Vogtsberger at 202-225-5355.

Congressman Pat Tiberi represents Central Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives and can be reached by email through his website, www.house.gov/tiberi <