Bill > S599

This bill establishes the Department of State Student Internship Program, a paid internship program that provides eligible students the opportunity to learn about a career in diplomacy and foreign affairs. The program is open to students enrolled at least half-time at institutions of higher education, both in the United States and abroad, who can obtain the necessary security clearance. The bill outlines selection criteria, requires the Secretary of State to actively promote the program and recruit diverse candidates, and mandates that interns be compensated at least the federal minimum wage or the local minimum wage, whichever is higher. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of State to provide housing and travel assistance to eligible interns. The bill also directs the Department to transition all unpaid internship programs to compensated programs within three years, with limited waiver authority. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on various aspects of the program, including participant demographics and expenditures.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/599/all-info