[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SENATOR PAUL SIMON STUDY ABROAD FOUNDATION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1469, the 
Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act, which will significantly 
enhance opportunities for Americans to gain international education, 
build understanding and respect among different cultures, and enhance 
leadership in the global community.
  Senator Paul Simon embodied the role of concerned citizen, which is 
the essence of this program. Starting his career in the newspaper 
business, he served in the Illinois General Assembly and as Lt. 
Governor of Illinois, and later was our colleague in the U.S. Congress, 
where he served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  Senator Simon was a great believer in the hope that good government 
can instill in people, and was widely regarded for his common-sense, 
hard work and integrity. In addition, Senator Simon was proud of 
Southwestern and Southern Illinois, where he got his professional 
start, entered politics and lived much of his life. It was a pleasure 
to serve with him and it is important for young Americans to know about 
his career and ideals.
  As a professor and author of numerous books, Senator Simon was 
passionate about education. He was particularly interested in the need 
for American students to travel abroad to learn about different 
peoples, their languages and their cultures. In this way, the United 
States would be better able to understand and work with other nations.
  Today, only one percent of U.S. undergraduate students participate in 
a study abroad program during their degree program. This statistic 
shows the United States is failing to take advantage of a valuable tool 
that should be used to enhance our standing in the world and to improve 
our Nation's security.
  Mr. Speaker, as economic competition and national security continue 
to defy geographical boundaries, the need for our students to gain 
international knowledge greatly increases. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I 
urge my colleagues to support the Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation 
Act.

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