[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA WASHINGTON DC 
                     INTERNS AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and 
enthusiasm that I rise today to pay tribute to Flinders University of 
South Australia Washington, DC Internship Program. The Flinders 
University program is to be commended for providing five Australian 
college students with the opportunity to experience the American 
political process first hand, while at the same time, furthering the 
already strong relationship between the United States and Australia.
  For the past six weeks, I have had the privilege to participate in 
the Flinders University program. The intern assigned to my office, Ms. 
Tamera Gale, has been an incredible asset to my staff and me. I have 
learned from her, and I certainly hope that she has learned from me.
  Tamera is a third year college student at Flinders University in her 
hometown of Adelaide, Australia. She is majoring in American Studies. 
When speaking with her recently, Tamera expressed her appreciation for 
the opportunity to intern in my office. But as I told her then, I truly 
appreciate the opportunity to have her working with my staff and me.
  During her time in my office, Tamera has assisted in the drafting of 
a resolution honoring the long-standing U.S.-Australia relationship, as 
well as educating herself and others on the rich history of African 
Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. The fruit of Tamera's labor has 
been passed on to my colleagues in the House of Representatives through 
my African American History Month Dear Colleague letters honoring the 
lives of a different African American military hero each day.
  Mr. Speaker, we live in a good country filled with opportunity and 
good people. However, we venture outside of our borders all too little. 
The Flinders University of South Australia Washington, DC Internship 
Program provides Australian students with the opportunity to travel to 
the United States and view our democracy and life in our country. 
Equally, the program provides Members and staff with an opportunity to 
learn about the political process and life in Australia, a country and 
continent that too few of us visit.
  It has been an honor to have Tamera intern in my office, and I wish 
her and her fellow intems good luck and fortune in all of their future 
endeavors. I look forward to participating in the Flinders program next 
year and urge my colleagues to do the same.

                          ____________________