[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2006 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2006

  Mr. HASTERT. 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 from May 21-June 3 of this year. During this two-week exchange, 
the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag/Bundesrat Members, 
Bundestag and Bundesrat party staff members, and representatives of 
numerous political, business, academic, and media agencies. 
Participants also will be hosted by a Bundestag Member during a 
district visit.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States for two weeks July 9-22. They will attend similar meetings here 
in Washington and visit the districts of Members of Congress. The U.S. 
delegation is expected to facilitate these meetings.
  The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in 
Germany and the United States, 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 the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to, 
trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care, 
and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be 
familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent 
world events.
  In addition, U.S. participants are expected to help plan and 
implement the program for the Bundestag/Bundesrat 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 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 the Office of Interparliamentary Affairs, 
HB-28, the Capitol, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15.

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