[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG EXCHANGE

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, 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 each other's political institutions and convey Members' views on 
issues of mutual concern.
  A staff delegation from the United States Congress will be chosen to 
visit Germany April 12 to April 26 of this year. During the 2-week 
exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag members, 
Bundestag party staff members, and representatives of numerous 
political, business, academia, and media agencies. Cultural activities 
and a weekend visit in a Bundestag member's district will complete the 
schedule.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States for 3 weeks this summer. They will attend similar meetings here 
in Washington and visit the districts of congressional Members.
  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, immigration, economic development, 
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 United States. Participants are expected to assist in planning 
topical meetings in Washington, and are encouraged to host one or two 
Bundestag staffers in their Member's district over the Fourth of July 
break, 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 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 may be sent to Kathie Scarrah, in 
my office at 316 Hart Senate Building, by Friday, February 14.

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