S. 1976 authorizes the Department of Defense to create congressional fellowships for active-duty military members through the existing Skillbridge program, allowing them to work in individual congressional offices, legislative leadership positions, or congressional committees. Military members would be placed only with the approval of the host office or committee, with no more than one service member serving in the same office at a time (though brief overlaps of up to 14 days are permitted for transitions). The Department of Defense will consult with commanding officers to ensure members are qualified, provide orientation on legislative processes and ethics, and notify the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs about participants. Fellowships are capped at 180 days in duration. The bill affects military personnel seeking professional development opportunities and aims to strengthen connections between the armed forces and Congress by giving service members firsthand experience with the legislative branch.
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