08.14.23

Chicago, Illinois Student Interns in Durbin's Washington, DC Office

WASHINGTON – Chicago, Illinois, native Chloe Garton spent this summer interning for U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator’s Capitol Hill office as an intern.

“I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois,” Durbin said. “I will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office.  As a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done.  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.”

A resident of Chicago, Chloe is a rising sophomore at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in public affairs and minoring in professional writing.  On campus, Chloe works to make UCLA more affordable and accessible through joint lobbying efforts with other UC schools and meetings with the UCLA administration.  Last summer, Chloe had the opportunity to work for Eileen Dordek’s campaign for Illinois State Representative of the 13th district, where she gained experience in constituent outreach and campaign administration.  She has enjoyed the opportunity to research and discover policy areas of interest while supporting the press and health legislative teams.

“Working for Senator Durbin is an experience I will never forget,” Chloe said.  “The Senator’s commitment to bipartisanship and his dedication to civil liberties gives me hope for the future of our country.  I feel immensely grateful for all the work that the Senator’s staff has put into supporting and mentoring me this summer and I look forward to pursuing a future in public service.” 

The intern responsibilities include assisting full-time staff in responding to constituent related topics, assisting with information inquiries, attending committee and agency hearings and briefings, researching legislative issues and policy questions, and observing floor proceedings.  During that time, the students gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the inner-workings of the federal government, and develop valuable research skills.

-30-