WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, on Wednesday applauded the passage of the bipartisan Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2019, which creates a brand new fund to allow every U.S. Senator to compensate their interns in both Washington and state-based offices.   

“Interning in Senator Dodd’s office helped shape my path to becoming a United States senator,” Murphy said. “I know this was only possible because my family had the resources to send me to Washington. Far too many Americans miss out on the opportunity to come to Washington because of the financial burden it would cause. It’s not right. Congress is the people’s branch, and it’s time it started to look more like it. This will go a long way to help level the playing field and open up the opportunity to all Americans who want work here.” 

In addition to compensating interns, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2019:

  • Increases the U.S. Capitol police budget by $29.8 million
  • Increases the Government Accountability Office (GAO) budget by $10.8 million
  • Increases the Library of Congress budget by $3.4 million
  • Increases the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) budget by $21.6 million
  • Increases the Congressional Research Service (CRS) budget by $6.4 million
  • Saves nearly $1 million a year by requiring Senate candidates to file electronic campaign finance reports

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