One of the Most Powerful Congressional Committees

Student Reflection by Sarthak Shrestha (C’27 W’27, French target)

This summer, I interned for the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce in Washington, D.C., specifically within the
Innovation, Data, and Commerce subcommittee. The committee’s jurisdiction spans a vast array of legislation, but my subcommittee concentrated on consumer protection, privacy, data security, motor vehicle safety, regulation of commercial practices, particularly through agencies like the FTC and CPSC, and trade. We also addressed issues related to travel, tourism, and time. One of the most memorable experiences was our committee’s Congressional Hearing with Michael Phelps, who testified about doping in the Olympics ahead of the 2024 Summer Games.

For someone like me, with a strong interest in business, government, and technology, this role was an incredible opportunity to see how these fields intersect in the legislative process. I contributed directly by helping draft bills and amendments for some of the most significant legislation under discussion during the 118th Congressional Session. I also had the chance to meet with influential members of Congress on our committee to prepare for upcoming hearings, which provided an insider’s perspective on how key decisions are made. Most importantly, while developing data privacy policies, we frequently met with some of the largest companies in the field to understand the real-world implications of specific legislative provisions. One of the biggest takeaways was the tremendous power a single word could hold and how its inclusion or exclusion could significantly impact businesses and their operations.

Beyond that, attending sessions where the House Speaker and other prominent leaders from both parties shared their journeys to Congress was eye-opening. These moments highlighted the unique paths to power, complexities of political leadership, and the reality behind what we see in the news about politicians.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to bring my policy experience back to Penn, using it as a framework for viewing discussions and coursework from a different perspective than my peers. I also hope to demystify the often-misunderstood realities of how bills are crafted, the thought processes behind them, and shine light on the hundreds of hours committees dedicate—only for decisions to be made swiftly on the floor that can make or break something that people have worked profusely on.

Reflecting on my time in D.C., I was able to learn about how different the reality of Capitol Hill is from public perception. Living and working there was an unforgettable experience, one that will undoubtedly continue to shape my career aspirations as I move forward from this incredible opportunity.