Gerry Connolly: “I thank Chairman Skelton for the opportunity to offer this amendment to improve Federal internship programs, and his…”

“I thank Chairman Skelton for the opportunity to offer this amendment to improve Federal internship programs, and his staff for their collaboration on the text before us. The Federal Government faces a daunting challenge in recruiting and retaining the workforce of the future. We actually have a desultory record in terms of student internship programs and their retention rate when compared to the private sector. I believe this amendment will systematize that program, will set some standards that all Federal agencies have to meet, and a reporting requirement that will give the Congress the information it needs in moving forth. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”