Program Mirrors Judicial and Executive Branch Clerkships

Washington, D.C. -Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) today re-introduced legislation to create the Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Program. Named after the noted American orator and legislator, the program would give highly qualified law school graduates the option of serving in either House or Senate offices. Eligible candidates would be evenly divided between minority and majority, with the program being managed by the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. The program, which is similar to those in both the Executive and Judicial Branches, gives talented young legal professionals an opportunity to participate first hand in the legislative process. The House of Representatives unanimously passed an identical measure in the previous Congress.

"The Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Program would allow our future leaders an early opportunity to serve in Congress," noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. "Many of our nation's greatest leaders served as law clerks early in their careers. This legislation would simply put Congress on par with both the Executive and Judicial Branches who already offer clerkships to exemplary young lawyers. I'd like to thank Senator Schumer for his support and for introducing a companion measure in the United States Senate. I'd also like to acknowledge the co-sponsorship and support of my fellow Californian Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA)."

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her seventh term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County.  She serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She also Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee.  Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.