Pandemic upends interns program

The coronavirus pandemic has hampered plans for U.S. Sen. John Boozman’s annual summer internship program.

“We have had to cancel the first half,” the Republican from Rogers said in an interview last week.

The fate of the second half is in limbo.

Last year, roughly two dozen Arkansas college students participated in the program, officials said. The first group works from late May through June. The second begins in early July and finishes in early August.

Most of the interns work on Capitol Hill, though a few are assigned to Boozman’s district offices.

In addition to assisting with constituent service work and other tasks, the students typically tour the Capitol, the White House and the Pentagon.

Speakers with Arkansas ties — ranging from White House officials and lawmakers to lobbyists — address the students.

“The young people that participate look forward to [the internship] so much, and we as a staff really look forward to having them. These are very bright, motivated young people. … It’s sad that they won’t be able to participate,” Boozman said.

The pandemic also resulted in the cancellation of the Senate page program for the spring semester, Boozman said.

Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (501) 908-5204 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Washington bureau? It’s available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.