Those of us of a certain age remember a Schoolhouse Rock favorite that featured a forlorn Congressional bill sitting on the steps of the Washington, D.C. Capitol, trying to become a law.
The Fall contingent of the CARTA in Washington D.C., Communication Department Internship program got a primer that combined classic Schoolhouse Rock flair with the latest D.C. goings-on. On Friday, Sept 21st, Carlos Becerra of FIU in DC and his Legislative Outreach staff led a presentation on Washington inner workings—the legislative process, committees, lobbying, appropriations, and more.
In the audience were Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars interns Mauro Di Pietro (Latin America Program) and Nareemah Griffiths (External Relations); Safiya Baxter, who is placed at Young People For, an advocacy organization boosting youth voting, Tamara Kacy-Cornwell, interning at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, and Lianna Farnesi, who is at FIU in DC.
FIU in DC is an essential space from which to continue to tell the FIU story on Capitol Hill and support the Florida delegation. Becerra also outlined the millions in research funding that is awarded to FIU by the federal government—Panther expertise is increasingly sought in such areas as public health, chemistry, and biomedical engineering.
After a spirited discussion and lunch, it was off to Union Station as the interns boarded the Old Town Trolley to tour the city. Upcoming Friday sessions include meetings with local FIU alums and a tour of Congressman Carlos Curbelo’s office, including a sit-down with his communications staff. CARTA Communication interns are getting immersed in their D.C. experience!
