If you’ve ever visited Washington, D.C. as a Nebraskan, you may already know about one of our federal delegation’s most cherished traditions. Every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., when both chambers of Congress are in session, all five members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation gather in the basement of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Over coffee and tea, we share updates on our work and — more importantly — we listen.
Established in 1942 by then-Senator Hugh Butler, it is the longest-running gathering of its kind on Capitol Hill. The Nebraska Breakfast is a chance for constituents to speak directly with their representatives, and it’s a tradition I always look forward to.
This past Wednesday, I took a moment during the breakfast to do something equally meaningful: introduce and honor my office’s spring interns.
Each spring, summer, and fall, my offices in Washington, D.C., Omaha, and Lincoln welcome college students eager to learn how the Senate works. These young Nebraskans are often the first face you see when you visit my office. They process constituent correspondence, lead Capitol tours, attend briefings and committee hearings, track legislation, assist with federal casework, and conduct legislative research. They show up every day ready to serve, and their work ethic shows.
The interns who have passed through my office throughout my time in the Senate have proven, time and again, to be invaluable. Their energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives enrich our team and ensure that young Nebraskans have a voice in our work. I hope this experience has been as rewarding for them as their service has been for our state.
If you know a Nebraska college student who would thrive in that kind of environment, please encourage them to apply. Internship positions are available year-round and are open to both current college students and recent graduates. Details and application deadlines are available on my website at fischer.senate.gov.
A Senate internship offers a firsthand look at how government operates, how policy is made, and how one office can make a real difference for real people. I can think of no better classroom.
And to any Nebraskan planning a trip to the nation’s capital: come join us for a Nebraska Breakfast. The remaining dates this year are:
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 10
Wednesday, June 24
Wednesday, July 15
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, September 16
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, September 30
We meet at 8 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building whenever both chambers of Congress are in session. We’d love to see you there.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.