[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG EXCHANGE

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, since 1983, the United States 
Congress and the German Parliament have conducted an annual exchange 
program for senior 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. The program is now in its 15th year and has strong 
support and participation from federal agencies as well as 
corresponding support from the German government.
  A staff delegation from the United States Congress will be chosen to 
visit Germany March 22 to April 4 of this year. During the two 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 three 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 July Fourth 
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 706 Hart Senate Building, by Thursday, February 
12.

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