[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 8 (Wednesday, February 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2002 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH REGULA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2002

  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, the U.S. Congress and the German 
Bundestag and Bundesrat 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 interact on issues of mutual interest.
  A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit 
Germany during May 26 to June 8 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. Participants also 
will be hosted by a Bundestag Member for a district visit.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States for 2 weeks in July. They will attend similar meetings here in 
Washington and visit the districts of Congressional Members. The U.S. 
delegation is expected to facilitate these meetings.
  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. This 
exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs.
  The U.S. delegation should consist of experienced and accomplished 
Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both 
sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag reciprocates by sending 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 to 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 in July, or to arrange 
for such a visit to another Member's district.
  Participants are selected by a committee composed of personnel from 
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of 
State 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 their 
qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program 
and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time 
stated. Applications may be sent to Connie Veillette in Congressman 
Regula's office, 2306 Rayburn House Building by noon on Friday, April 
5.

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