A senior with Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics has been selected to take part in educational service to the nation's capital through the Office of the President Congressional Internship Program. During the spring semester Cash Langford of Wellington will be working in the office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Students who complete the program observe how the government functions while working for senators and representatives. Interns are chosen through a competitive interview and application process. This year 16 students from across the university were selected as Spring 2012 Interns.

"In many cases, our internship program has been a life-changing experience for the students," said Texas Tech President Guy Bailey. "Regardless of their career choice, the students will benefit from the experience of seeing first-hand how the political process will affect their futures."

Cornyn, a graduate of Trinity University and St. Mary's Law School in San Antonio, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2002, succeeding Senator Phil Gramm. Prior to that Cornyn was Texas Attorney General, served on the Texas Supreme Court and earlier worked as a Texas District Judge.

He serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Budget Committee. Cornyn is also the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security, as well as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Texas Tech began its Congressional Internship Program in 1999. The program's objective is to provide students who have an interest in government and public policy the opportunity to participate in public service by observing and contributing to the legislative process.

The internship experience helps students understand the challenges and rewards of public life and helps develop their leadership skills. More than 180 Texas Tech students have traveled to Washington D.C. as a part of this program.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Eduardo Segarra, Professor and Chairman, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2821 or eduardo.segarra@ttu.edu

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