WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) announced the selection of five interns to serve in his Washington, D.C. and Idaho Falls senate offices for spring 2020. The interns will assist in the operations of the office while gaining an understanding about policymaking at the federal level.
“Interning in the U.S. Senate offers students a unique opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand and be a working part of our democracy,” Risch said. “I’m glad to welcome this group of interns to Washington and Idaho Falls and am confident they will serve Idaho well.”
Senator Risch’s Washington, D.C. interns:
Ben Knudson hails from McCall. After graduating from McCall-Donnelly High School, he left for Boise State to study political science and gerontology. During his internship, Ben would like to learn more about health care policy and defense, and enjoys hunting and skiing in the great outdoors while he’s home in Idaho. Ben is the son of Mark and Julie Knudson.
Sofia Broadbent, a native of Boise and a proud Borah High School graduate, is currently studying political science and international development at BYU. Sofia is interested in security and immigration issues and enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing the piano in her spare time. Sofia is the daughter of Clint and Becky Broadbent.
Shawn Kelley of Mount Airy, Maryland is currently studying history and political science at BYU-Idaho and has a keen interest in policymaking related to housing and urban development, armed services, and education. When he’s not on the job, Shawn can be found playing basketball, baseball, and board games. Shawn is the son of Dale and Tammy Kelley.
Michael Holliday grew up on military bases around the world, but today he calls Boise home while he attends Boise State. Michael, who is on the pre-law track majoring in political science and minoring in economics, hopes to learn more about tax policy and Senate rules during his internship. When he’s not studying and interning, he can be found skiing and backpacking. Michael is the son of Scott and Kristen Holliday.
Senator Risch’s Idaho Falls intern:
Samantha Carver comes to the Risch office all the way from Calgary, Canada. She’s a student at BYU-Idaho studying political science, and over the course of her internship she hopes to learn about foreign relations, national security, and how government offices connect with the communities they serve. When she isn’t busy studying or interning, Samantha likes snowboarding and traveling. She is the daughter of Mike and Shauna Rice.
Intern Samantha Carver poses in the Idaho Falls regional office.
The Congressional intern program is for college students who are interested in learning more about the legislative process and how Congress operates. Selection is made through an application process that includes submitting a resume, college transcript, and references.
Internships are available year-round in Sen. Risch's Washington, D.C. office. Additional information and application materials may be found at https://www.risch.senate.gov.
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