[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AS AMBASSADORS TO AND FROM CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, there is a long list of people and 
institutions that have helped our nation flourish through our nearly 
228 years of independence. One of our greatest traditions as Americans 
is to welcome friends from around the world into our lives--sometimes 
professionally and sometimes personally.
  Most congressional offices host American college students, to help 
our nation's future leaders understand the political complexities 
affecting our constituents and our jobs as their representatives. Now, 
thanks to the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program, some of 
Australia's best and brightest university students have had the 
opportunity to participate in six-week, full-time internships in House 
and Senate offices. These internships have proved to be an invaluable 
learning experience, both for the students and for their hosts.
  The program is the brainchild and pro bono non-partisan effort of 
former long-time House and Senate staffer Eric K. Federing, who began 
lecturing at Australian universities in the early 1990s while working 
for our former colleague Norman Y. Mineta of California. Mr. Federing 
wanted to bridge what Australians call ``The Tyranny of Distance,'' 
which can prevent Americans and Australians from knowing each other as 
well as our mutual interests and traditions suggest we should.
  Five universities now participate and a dozen Australian students 
travel to Washington, DC annually as part of the program. An important 
reason for the exchange's success is the careful matching of students 
and their interests with our work and constituencies. This year, Laura 
Crommelin, a law student from the University of Melbourne, joined my 
staff for most of January and February. She is professionally poised, 
and sophisticated in her understanding of our mission as a chamber and 
my work for the 8th District of New York. Meeting Laura has given my 
staff and me an insight into Australian politics and society, as well 
as a fresh perspective on the work we are doing here in Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe my experience has not been unique. The 
students and other congressional hosts in 2004 should be congratulated 
for their participation in this exchange: Richard Abraham, of Macquarie 
University, in the office of Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut; 
Kirstin Ferguson, of the University of Wollongong, in the office of 
Representative Alcee Hastings of Florida; Netta Goussac, of the 
University of Western Australia, in the office of Representative 
Loretta Sanchez of California; Elli Jacovides, of the University of 
Melbourne, in the office of Representative Jim Clyburn of South 
Carolina; Leng Lee, of the University of Melbourne, in the office of 
the Joint Economic Committee, minority staff; Ian Repper, of the 
University of Western Australia, in the offices of Representative Bob 
Ney of Ohio and the House Administration Committee, majority staff; 
Heather Rietdyk, of the University of Canberra, in the office of 
Representative Sam Farr of California; Louise Squire, of the University 
of Western Australia, in the office of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, minority staff; Lisa Sharland, of Macquarie 
University, in the office of Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska; Ken Shaw, 
of the University of Melbourne, in the office of the House Small 
Business Committee, majority staff; and Jane Stewart, of the University 
of Melbourne, in the office of Representative Louise Slaughter of New 
York.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that this effort has 
received programmatic assistance from both the U.S. and Australian 
governments, as well as numerous individuals and institutions in 
Washington, DC that have welcomed these students during their visit. I 
am proud to participate in this worthwhile program, and wish it 
continued success in the future.

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