Downers Grove Student Interns in Durbin’s Senate Office

Downers Grove resident Daniel Tully will spend nine weeks interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the senator’s Capitol Hill office. Each year, close to 50 students intern in Durbin’s Washington, D.C. office. Interns process constituent requests, help with legislative duties and lead Capitol tours for Illinois residents visiting Washington. During that time, they gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the inner-workings of the federal government and develop valuable research skills.

“Forty-five years ago, I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas (D-IL),” Senator Durbin said. “It was one of the most exciting things I had ever done; a student from East St. Louis, Illinois was going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator. I know what a valuable experience it can be and we strive to make sure all of our students get a glimpse into the workings of the United States Senate.” 

The son of Michael and Mary Ann Tully, Daniel will be a senior in the fall at Northwestern University, completing a degree in political science and international studies. He graduated from Benet Academy in 2009. As an intern for Durbin, Tully is interested in working on projects related to health care, particularly in regards to accountable care organizations and Medicare Advantage programs.

“Every day, I have the privilege of experiencing first-hand how Congress works as well as observing the challenges it repeatedly faces,” Tully said.  “Tackling our nation's issues with dedicated professionals committed to providing exceptional public service has certainly been inspiring. I would highly encourage any student who is interested in the economy, social issues, or politics to consider applying for an internship in the Senator’s office.”

The internship program is designed to provide interns with experience in the core functions of a Senate office and allow them to gain a better understanding of the federal legislative process. Their responsibilities include assisting full-time staff in responding to various constituent requests, assisting with information inquiries, attending committee and agency hearings and briefings, researching legislative issues and policy questions, observing floor proceedings, and attending meetings related to specific legislation. Internships can range from 6 weeks to 12 weeks.