White House Fellows Program Authorization Act

Key Points

• This bill would turn the White House Fellows Program into a permanent law. Right now, the program exists because of an old presidential order from 1964. By making it a law, Congress ensures the program stays around and has a steady source of money to keep running.
• The program picks between 11 and 19 people each year to work at the highest levels of the federal government. These fellows spend one year working directly for top officials, like the heads of departments or staff in the White House. It is designed to give future leaders a front row seat to how the country is run.
• To be picked, you must be a U.S. citizen who has finished college and is early in your career. The program looks for people with high character and strong leadership potential. Current federal employees cannot apply, but active duty military members are allowed to participate.
• Fellows are treated as full time government employees and get paid a salary based on standard federal pay scales. They also participate in a special education program that includes seminars and travel to learn more about public service. The bill authorizes funding for the program through the year 2031.

Impact Analysis

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