Join us for the Cato Institute’s 2026 Congressional Fellowship in Economic Studies – a ten-week fellowship for congressional staff who are interested in the philosophical roots and practical applications of free market economics from a libertarian perspective. Open to congressional staff of any party or ideology, economists and non-economists alike, the fellowship will consist of weekly receptions and discussions featuring experts from various fields of economics.

Through readings, lectures, and discussions, participants will have an opportunity to explore core principles of economics on issues such as how economists think about policy, financial privacy, and why (almost) everything you’re told about the American labor market and immigration is wrong. Discussions will be collegial, nonpartisan, and off-the-record.

Those who are interested in participating can find more information below and are encouraged to submit a statement of interest no later than July 22, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Preference will be given to early submissions, and participants must commit to attending no fewer than seven of the ten sessions. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GovAffairs@​cato.​org.

Sessions will be held on Thursdays at a Capitol Hill-adjacent restaurant from 6:00–8:00 p.m. September 17 – November 19. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

The foundations of economic freedom are personal choice, voluntary exchange, and open markets. As Adam Smith, F. A. Hayek, and Milton Friedman stressed, freedom of exchange and minimally regulated markets provide the fuel for economic progress. Without exchange and entrepreneurial activity that is coordinated through markets rather than by governments, modern living standards would be impossible. Cato scholars explore policy reforms that could increase growth by strengthening property rights and the rule of law, safeguarding the value of money, reducing excessive taxes and regulations, scaling back government interference with trade and immigration, and reducing federal spending on programs that harm economic productivity.

** The Cato Institute’s Congressional Fellowships have been designed to conform with House and Senate ethics rules.

** Please note that still images, videos, and general descriptions of the Fellowship may be used in future promotional materials.