[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E132-E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      U.S. CONGRESS AND GERMAN PARLIAMENT CONDUCT ANNUAL EXCHANGE

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES W. STENHOLM

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 19, 1995

  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, the United States Congress and 
the German Parliament, the Bundestag, have conducted an annual exchange 
program for staff members from both countries. The program gives 
professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about the 
working of each other's political institutions and convey Members' 
views on issues of mutual concern.
  This year marks the fifth exchange with a reunified Germany and a 
parliament consisting of members from all 16 German States. A 
delegation of staff members from the United States Congress will be 
chosen to visit Germany from May 7 to May 20. During the 2-week 
exchange, most time will be spent at meetings conducted by Bundestag 
Members, Bundestag party staff members, and representatives from 
political, business, academic, and media groups. Cultural activities 
and a weekend visit in a Bundestag Member's district will round out the 
exchange.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States in July for a 3-week period. They will attend similar meetings 
here in Washington and visit the districts of Congressional Members 
over the Fourth of July recess.
  The Congress-Bundestag Exchange is highly regarded in Germany, and is 
one of several exchange programs sponsored by public and private 
institutions in the United States and Germany to foster better 
understanding of the politics and policies of both countries.
  The U.S. delegation should consist of experienced and accomplished 
Hill staff members who can contribute to the success of the exchange on 
both sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag sends senior staff 
professionals to the United States. The United States endeavors to 
reciprocate.
  Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe. 
Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs, 
although such a background can be helpful. The composite United States 
delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual 
concern in Germany and the United States such as, but not limited to, 
trade, security, the environment, health care, and other social policy 
issues.
  In addition, U.S. participants are expected to help plan and 
implement the program for the Bundestag staff members when they visit 
the [[Page E133]] United States. Participants are expected to assist in 
planning topical meetings in Washington, and are encouraged to host one 
or two staff people in their Member's district over the Fourth of July, 
or to arrange for such a visit to another Member's district.
  Participants will be selected by a committee composed of U.S. 
Information Agency [USIA] personnel and past participants of the 
exchange.
  Senators and Representatives who would like a member of their staff 
to apply for participation in this year's program should direct them to 
submit a resume and cover letter in which they state why they believe 
they are qualified, and some assurances of their ability to participate 
during the time stated. Applications should be sent to Kathie Scarrah, 
c/o Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, 316 Hart Senate Office Building, by 
Wednesday, February 15.

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