Spring 2026 Government Affairs Intern

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a high-caliber strategic policy institute that informs and shapes public policies to reduce poverty promote equity and build opportunity. It has a national reputation for conducting rigorous research and analysis developing evidence-based policy ideas and strategies shaping a broad array of policy debates at the federal and state levels and influencing policy outcomes on a range of critical issues. It focuses on improving the lives of people with low or moderate incomes and examines how policies affect particular groups including Black Indigenous and other people of color; immigrants; people with disabilities; and LGBTQ people. CBPP is known for its unique capacity to blend rigorous timely analysis with effective communications that enable policymakers and the media to make use of its work.

The Government Affairs Intern plays a collaborative role in supporting the Government Affairs team. They will have a unique opportunity to contribute to CBPPs policy areas primarily by tracking legislation affecting budget/tax policies and economic security Government Affairs Intern will be responsible for:

• Tracking current legislation and amendments moving through the congressional process;
• Attendingcongressionalhearings/markups and other policy events and summarizing policy debates;
• Monitoring statements from policymakers and experts;
• Maintaining vote/policy stance/target grids;
• Preparingmeetingbriefing and presentation materials;
• Formulating responses to questions and requests for information from external partner organizations and individuals; and
• Maintaining a SharePoint database containing contacts forcongressionalstaff and coalition partners.

Qualifications:

• Strongresearch writingand communications skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and juggle competing deadlines.
• Understandingofand passion for CBPPs policy areasand interest in low-income issues.
• Desire to learn more about the legislative policy process and advocacy coalitions.
• Comfort with MicrosoftExcelPowerPointandWord.
• Education:undergraduate student or recent graduate with coursework/major in public policy government/political science orarelated field.

Successful interns will have a commitment to CBPPs missionto improve the well-being of low- and moderate-income people and advance racial equity.

To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in federal and state policy debates CBPPs internship program identifies highly motivated candidates particularly those with experience with communities that are underrepresented in policy debates with a demonstrated interest in working on public policies that affect low-income and diverse communities and have implications for racial equity.

International students are welcome to apply. The Center does not provide financial sponsorship for visas or work permits. You must have documentation of work authorization for the U.S. AND a U.S. Social Security number as of the start date of the internship to be employed by the Center.

ApplicationDeadline:October:

Internship Start Date:January 13 2026

Internship End Date: May 8 2026

CBPPs spring internship will be remote. Remote interns must be in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. Interns located in the Washington D.C. metro area during the spring term may have the option to work on a hybrid schedule that includes at least two days per week in person at our D.C. office.

Work Hours:Government Affairs interns should be available 40 hours per week during core Eastern Time business hours. Work schedules can be flexed to accommodate time zone differences as well as classwork and other school commitments.

Compensation:

• Undergraduate students receive $18.00 per hour.
• Students with a bachelors degree receive $19.00 per hour.
• Graduate students receive $20.00 per hour.
• Students with a masters or law degree receive $21.00 per hour.
• Doctoral students may receive between $20.00 and $22.00 per hour depending on progress toward completion of degree requirements relevant coursework and research.

Required application materials:

• Cover letter (please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPPs mission and the Government Affairs teams work)
• Résumé
• Transcript(s)

Only complete applications submitted electronically through our system will be considered. Once you submit your application you will receive an electronic confirmation. Applications submitted by mail or email will not be accepted. Visit for more information about CBPPs internship program. No phone calls please.

If you have read all of the information on thewebsite about internships at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and still have an inquiry about the application process please email .

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race color age sex marital status sexual orientation gender identity gender expression genetic information credit information pregnancy or parental status family responsibilities personal appearance creed military or veteran status religion ancestry or national origin union activities disability or other status protected by applicable law.