[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 23, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, as modern communication makes our world 
increasingly smaller, linking global societies at unprecedented 
business, government and social levels, it is critical that America and 
other democracies worldwide engage in a process of ongoing co-education 
about the efforts and work of democratic governments. This educational 
exchange is best facilitated by hands-on learning and personal 
experience. A terrific example of this effort is the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Programme, in which outstanding college students 
from seven of Australia's top universities compete for the opportunity 
to serve as interns for Members of the U.S. Congress. In its eighth 
year, the program has facilitated internships for 68 Australian 
students thus far.
  I am fortunate to be able to participate this year. Charis Tierney 
from Brisbane, Queensland, has been a wonderful addition to my office 
this winter. She says of this opportunity:

       The UCWIP has been a once in a lifetime to not only observe 
     but participate in the work of the U.S. Congress. Working 
     within Senator Crapo's office has given me the kind of unique 
     appreciation for the United States Senate's work that can 
     only be gained from behind the scenes. My daily interaction 
     with the fantastic staff of the Senator's office has only 
     enhanced the experience.

  I offer my congratulations to Director Eric Federing and his wife 
Daphne for their support and dedication of this important educational 
program. The additional activities such as visits to historic sites, 
meetings with other government agencies and outside organizations and 
special events helps enhance the experience for these promising young 
women and men. The Federings' commitment to comprehensive bilateral 
civic education has made it possible for students like Charis to take 
their experiences here in the legislative branch of the U.S. Government 
back to Australia and apply lessons learned as they pursue their own 
course of study across a wide range of academic pursuits.
  This valuable program bridges the 9,000 miles that separate the 
United States and Australia with the friendship of shared experiences 
and realization and application of common goals and interests.

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