[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 1998 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG STAFF EXCHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH REGULA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, the US Congress and the German 
Parliament 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 March 22 to April 4 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, academic, 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 
ongoing situation in Bosnia, the future expansion of NATO and the 
proposed expansion of the European Union, as well as plans for a single 
currency will make this year's exchange particularly relevant.
  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.
  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 U.S. 
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 at 
316 Hart Senate Building by Thursday, February 12.

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