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James O'Donahue '26 Interns on Capitol Hill
Narrative submitted by James O'Donahue '26, a 2025 recipient of a Joe & Marge Grills Fellowship
Everything had been methodically planned. I lived in specialized intern housing about a mile north of Capitol Hill. My roommates and I shared an apartment, where we quickly became close friends. My gym was less than a block away, as was my grocery store. My mother stayed in DC for a couple of days to make sure I was settled in, knew the walking route to the Capitol, and how to grocery shop. I quickly learned that living in the middle of the hustle and bustle was not for the faint of heart.
My first day of work was a busy one. Before I started my walk, I made sure my suit was steamed, breakfast was made, and caffeine was secured. Work began at 8:30, so I started my walk at 7:45, ensuring buffer time for any city craziness. The first time I turned the corner on Maryland Ave was a special moment. The Capitol was in full view, and it was at that moment it hit me that I was working there. I continued my walk past the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol building to reach Cannon House Office Building. I was greeted by Paola, an experienced intern who has worked for Congressman Murphy since February. She took me through security into the Congressional ID office, where I received my work identification card, allowing me to enter the building daily and traverse through the Capitol tunnels. Shortly after, I met my fellow interns, Nathan and William, while Paoloa took us all for an underground tour of the tunnels to familiarize ourselves. Once we covered all the House, Senate, and Capitol buildings, we headed back to our office to start our tasks.
I was responsible for several daily tasks that ensured office efficiency in the workplace. Basic tasks consisted of getting into the office early and setting up for the day. I made sure drinks were stocked in all fridges, paper was in printers, lights and televisions were on, newspapers were properly displayed, and staffers knew who and what organizations were coming in for meetings. Bigger tasks included constituent calls, filing weekly reports, compiling information for staff, delivering daily media briefings, and leading Capitol tours for North Carolinians.
I took the lead on all communication tasks, providing staff with key, up-to-date material relating to Dr. Murphy from various sources. I excelled in this role while also naturally absorbing a great deal of knowledge, particularly in the healthcare system, veterans’ affairs, and tax policy. Dr. Murphy serves the House Veterans Affairs and Ways and Means committees, as well as co-chair of the House Doctors’ caucus. Being the only practicing physician in the House, he has much credibility when it comes to healthcare and expected us to keep up with him.
The House of Representatives was officially rolling, as were events outside the office. I had the opportunity to attend many receptions after work. These served as great networking opportunities to meet fellow interns, staffers, and congressmen. Our staffer, Ray, organized a Veterans Affairs reception where I had the pleasure of meeting Katy Flynn, General Counsel for the Veterans Affairs Committee. After our short conversation, she suggested we find a time to get coffee. Mrs. Flynn gave insightful advice about my career aspirations. She taught me how the law can be weaponized against political parties, specifically when marking up legislation. Mrs. Flynn was so helpful, and I’m grateful to have connected with her.
As an office, we all attended the Congressional Baseball game held annually at Nationals Park. Congressman Murphy is an avid baseball fan and told the intern staff about the rigorous morning practices the Republicans hold every week, preparing for the big event. When gameday rolled around, we were pumped for Dr. Murphy and actually scored a run in the late innings. While at the game, I had the great honor of meeting Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, as he made his way down to the field. I introduced myself and even got a few pictures with him.
The next week, Ray got our office special passes to the Army’s 250th birthday parade. William, Ray, Ashley, our legislative correspondent, and I went to the Dubliner for lunch. The food was great, but getting to know Ashley throughout the day was better. She graduated from Villanova about a year ago, and we bonded over a love of politics, law, and music. She got a job as a legislative assistant with Senator McConnell’s office halfway through the summer, but emphasized that if I needed anything in the future, she would be there to help. After lunch, we headed towards the mile-long entry line, but our special passes got us through the line swiftly. We thought our passes were strictly for skipping the line; however, a stranger realized we had specialized seating across from the president’s cabinet. We made our way to our area, where we saw the evolution of the United States Army from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Being so close to President Trump and his cabinet was an unforgettable experience. After the President swore in the new West Point graduates, we made our way to the gates and watched the fireworks. I’m so grateful for dedicated staffers like Ray and Ashley, who go out of their way to make us have the best possible experience while interning in DC.
I also had several opportunities to attend committee hearings, particularly the Veterans’ Affairs committee. I was tasked with taking notes on each hearing and providing them to Ray. I attended hearings that covered the TAP program, healthcare access, psychological needs, and SNAP benefits. I familiarized myself with veteran needs and the congressmen and women on the committee. In North Carolina’s third district, we have more than 72,000 veterans and three major military installations. Knowing the needs of our veterans is crucial, and attending the VA committee hearings helped me expand my knowledge on veteran-related issues.
Throughout my first month, I learned that phone calls were essential to hearing our constituents’ concerns. I addressed all sorts of issues, and what Dr. Murphy is doing to represent them at the national level. It is no surprise that the busiest day in the office directly correlated with the highest volume of calls. During the first week of July, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” was nearing a vote on the House floor, and constituents were calling every minute of the day to voice their support or concerns. This is the part of the job that I thrive in. Listening and understanding constituents’ problems is the core concept of our democracy. I’m grateful that I could help hundreds of constituents get their messages to the congressman and initiate conversations that snowball into big legislation. My roommate Sam and I actually went to the Senate gallery on Saturday to watch the read-through and Leader John Thune’s remarks as the debates began. After the chaos of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” I enjoyed a great 4th of July celebration with my Dad in DC. Ray suggested to the office that we all get dinner and then head to the celebration on the Capitol steps. It was an unforgettable event to watch the Temptations, Lauren Daigle, and the Beach Boys perform as the fireworks started next to the Lincoln Memorial.
As the 1st session wrapped up at the end of June, I was optimistic about the next session and the new interns that came with it. I soon met Julian, Woodberry class of 2021, and a senior at Washington and Lee University. We quickly connected through Woodberry and developed a great friendship throughout July. Coming over from Senator John Kennedy’s office was Curtis. Curtis, a Louisiana native, brought experience to Dr. Murphy’s office with previous internships with Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Speaker Mike Johnson. We all developed fast friendships in and outside the office, making our work environment fun and productive.
July was full of intern lecture series. I had the privilege of attending Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s, Senator Thom Tillis’s, and Representative Jim Jordan’s lectures. Each had a different energy from the next. Speaker Pelosi had hers in a large auditorium where she talked about her political path, as well as answered questions. Senator Tillis’s lecture was relaxed, urging us to ask the “hard-hitting” questions about his path and the events that shaped it. Being from North Carolina, I admire Senator Tillis and believe he wants the best for North Carolina; I am grateful for the opportunity to attend his lecture. Jim Jordan’s event was great, as he brought Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the State Department, to lecture and answer questions with him. These lectures show how much our elected officials care about the next generation of our country, and I’m grateful to receive their advice.
This entire experience changed my perspectives on so many different things. Not only did my horizons broaden on political issues, but this made me comfortable in a professional setting. I learned how to connect with people with different backgrounds. I learned how to get out and explore a new environment with new friends. There is so much good that came with this internship, and I’m leaving with a clear purpose to continue serving the American people in any way, shape, or form.
Back
I’ve been blessed with phenomenal history teachers in Mr. Borgeson, Mr. Davis, Mr. Tallman, and now Dr. Jordan. History has always been my best subject, not because I engross myself with readings, but because I genuinely love learning about the events that shape our reality. However, it was not until last year that my love for history fused with a love for politics. I delved deeply into political rhetoric, events, and documentaries that sparked a desire for something more significant. With a basic understanding of American politics, I decided to establish a club that focused on bridging the gap between political parties, emphasizing the importance of understanding both sides. With Dr. Jordan’s guidance, the Politics and Government Society was born, and we held weekly meetings throughout the winter and spring. For me, politics started as a passion that quickly developed into an obsession. I wanted to know as much as possible, so my father suggested that I apply for a congressional internship. I agreed, thinking it would be an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of American politics, and hoped for the best. I was ecstatic when I got a call back for an interview and eventually landed the job with Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03). After I wrapped up my final exam, my mom and I made the trip to our nation’s capital, ready to start a new chapter in my life.
Everything had been methodically planned. I lived in specialized intern housing about a mile north of Capitol Hill. My roommates and I shared an apartment, where we quickly became close friends. My gym was less than a block away, as was my grocery store. My mother stayed in DC for a couple of days to make sure I was settled in, knew the walking route to the Capitol, and how to grocery shop. I quickly learned that living in the middle of the hustle and bustle was not for the faint of heart.
My first day of work was a busy one. Before I started my walk, I made sure my suit was steamed, breakfast was made, and caffeine was secured. Work began at 8:30, so I started my walk at 7:45, ensuring buffer time for any city craziness. The first time I turned the corner on Maryland Ave was a special moment. The Capitol was in full view, and it was at that moment it hit me that I was working there. I continued my walk past the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol building to reach Cannon House Office Building. I was greeted by Paola, an experienced intern who has worked for Congressman Murphy since February. She took me through security into the Congressional ID office, where I received my work identification card, allowing me to enter the building daily and traverse through the Capitol tunnels. Shortly after, I met my fellow interns, Nathan and William, while Paoloa took us all for an underground tour of the tunnels to familiarize ourselves. Once we covered all the House, Senate, and Capitol buildings, we headed back to our office to start our tasks.
I was responsible for several daily tasks that ensured office efficiency in the workplace. Basic tasks consisted of getting into the office early and setting up for the day. I made sure drinks were stocked in all fridges, paper was in printers, lights and televisions were on, newspapers were properly displayed, and staffers knew who and what organizations were coming in for meetings. Bigger tasks included constituent calls, filing weekly reports, compiling information for staff, delivering daily media briefings, and leading Capitol tours for North Carolinians.
I took the lead on all communication tasks, providing staff with key, up-to-date material relating to Dr. Murphy from various sources. I excelled in this role while also naturally absorbing a great deal of knowledge, particularly in the healthcare system, veterans’ affairs, and tax policy. Dr. Murphy serves the House Veterans Affairs and Ways and Means committees, as well as co-chair of the House Doctors’ caucus. Being the only practicing physician in the House, he has much credibility when it comes to healthcare and expected us to keep up with him.
The House of Representatives was officially rolling, as were events outside the office. I had the opportunity to attend many receptions after work. These served as great networking opportunities to meet fellow interns, staffers, and congressmen. Our staffer, Ray, organized a Veterans Affairs reception where I had the pleasure of meeting Katy Flynn, General Counsel for the Veterans Affairs Committee. After our short conversation, she suggested we find a time to get coffee. Mrs. Flynn gave insightful advice about my career aspirations. She taught me how the law can be weaponized against political parties, specifically when marking up legislation. Mrs. Flynn was so helpful, and I’m grateful to have connected with her.
As an office, we all attended the Congressional Baseball game held annually at Nationals Park. Congressman Murphy is an avid baseball fan and told the intern staff about the rigorous morning practices the Republicans hold every week, preparing for the big event. When gameday rolled around, we were pumped for Dr. Murphy and actually scored a run in the late innings. While at the game, I had the great honor of meeting Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, as he made his way down to the field. I introduced myself and even got a few pictures with him.
The next week, Ray got our office special passes to the Army’s 250th birthday parade. William, Ray, Ashley, our legislative correspondent, and I went to the Dubliner for lunch. The food was great, but getting to know Ashley throughout the day was better. She graduated from Villanova about a year ago, and we bonded over a love of politics, law, and music. She got a job as a legislative assistant with Senator McConnell’s office halfway through the summer, but emphasized that if I needed anything in the future, she would be there to help. After lunch, we headed towards the mile-long entry line, but our special passes got us through the line swiftly. We thought our passes were strictly for skipping the line; however, a stranger realized we had specialized seating across from the president’s cabinet. We made our way to our area, where we saw the evolution of the United States Army from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Being so close to President Trump and his cabinet was an unforgettable experience. After the President swore in the new West Point graduates, we made our way to the gates and watched the fireworks. I’m so grateful for dedicated staffers like Ray and Ashley, who go out of their way to make us have the best possible experience while interning in DC.
I also had several opportunities to attend committee hearings, particularly the Veterans’ Affairs committee. I was tasked with taking notes on each hearing and providing them to Ray. I attended hearings that covered the TAP program, healthcare access, psychological needs, and SNAP benefits. I familiarized myself with veteran needs and the congressmen and women on the committee. In North Carolina’s third district, we have more than 72,000 veterans and three major military installations. Knowing the needs of our veterans is crucial, and attending the VA committee hearings helped me expand my knowledge on veteran-related issues.
Throughout my first month, I learned that phone calls were essential to hearing our constituents’ concerns. I addressed all sorts of issues, and what Dr. Murphy is doing to represent them at the national level. It is no surprise that the busiest day in the office directly correlated with the highest volume of calls. During the first week of July, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” was nearing a vote on the House floor, and constituents were calling every minute of the day to voice their support or concerns. This is the part of the job that I thrive in. Listening and understanding constituents’ problems is the core concept of our democracy. I’m grateful that I could help hundreds of constituents get their messages to the congressman and initiate conversations that snowball into big legislation. My roommate Sam and I actually went to the Senate gallery on Saturday to watch the read-through and Leader John Thune’s remarks as the debates began. After the chaos of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” I enjoyed a great 4th of July celebration with my Dad in DC. Ray suggested to the office that we all get dinner and then head to the celebration on the Capitol steps. It was an unforgettable event to watch the Temptations, Lauren Daigle, and the Beach Boys perform as the fireworks started next to the Lincoln Memorial.
As the 1st session wrapped up at the end of June, I was optimistic about the next session and the new interns that came with it. I soon met Julian, Woodberry class of 2021, and a senior at Washington and Lee University. We quickly connected through Woodberry and developed a great friendship throughout July. Coming over from Senator John Kennedy’s office was Curtis. Curtis, a Louisiana native, brought experience to Dr. Murphy’s office with previous internships with Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Speaker Mike Johnson. We all developed fast friendships in and outside the office, making our work environment fun and productive.
Legislation-wise, July was busy with the big recissions package (H.R.4) the GOP passed at the end of the month. Not only did I have a front row seat to the most controversial bill of the summer, but I had a seat for the second as well. I studied in the Library of Congress throughout the summer every Saturday. There is a motivational force in the main reading room that persuades you into your studies. With statues of Plato, Homer, and Herodotus looking down at you, it’s hard to procrastinate. I also became closer with my roommates in July. I can confidently say Sam and Josh will be lifelong friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing them soon.
July was full of intern lecture series. I had the privilege of attending Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s, Senator Thom Tillis’s, and Representative Jim Jordan’s lectures. Each had a different energy from the next. Speaker Pelosi had hers in a large auditorium where she talked about her political path, as well as answered questions. Senator Tillis’s lecture was relaxed, urging us to ask the “hard-hitting” questions about his path and the events that shaped it. Being from North Carolina, I admire Senator Tillis and believe he wants the best for North Carolina; I am grateful for the opportunity to attend his lecture. Jim Jordan’s event was great, as he brought Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the State Department, to lecture and answer questions with him. These lectures show how much our elected officials care about the next generation of our country, and I’m grateful to receive their advice.
This entire experience changed my perspectives on so many different things. Not only did my horizons broaden on political issues, but this made me comfortable in a professional setting. I learned how to connect with people with different backgrounds. I learned how to get out and explore a new environment with new friends. There is so much good that came with this internship, and I’m leaving with a clear purpose to continue serving the American people in any way, shape, or form.
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