David Finnegan's Internship on Capitol Hill

Learn more about David Finnegan’s Spring 2022 Capitol Hill Internship with Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08) and what he learned experiencing the action first-hand.

My name is David Finnegan and I'm a junior Political Science major at Roger Williams University spending this semester interning at the Office of Congressman Stephen Lynch. My day-to-day responsibilities include corresponding with constituents, legislative research, attending hearings and briefings, and guiding tour groups. My favorite part of my internship is being able to work on the Hill and witness the legislative process firsthand. I’ve been able to conduct research on legislation and witness bills such as the Postal Service Reform Act pass Congress and become law.

I really enjoy the environment I work in and the people I work with. Everyone I have met has helped develop my professional experience and better prepare me for life after graduation. I have learned how hard it is to craft a bill and get it to a vote on the House floor. There is a lot of negotiation when a bill is sent to committee. Every staff member, in every office, plays a fundamental role in crafting legislation that best addresses the needs of their constituents.

My favorite thing to do in DC is explore the city with my friends on the weekends. My favorite place to visit has been the National Mall. Once the weather began to get nicer outside, it was a great place to walk and experience all the sights, like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Between my classes and work experience, the Washington Internship Institute has been a great opportunity to learn and grow professionally and personally.