[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2180-E2181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAUREEN AND MIKE MANSFIELD 
                               FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS R. REHBERG

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
Anniversary of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.
  Nearly 25 years ago Congress passed legislation authorizing funds for 
a foundation that would advance the lifelong efforts of Maureen and 
Mike Mansfield to promote understanding and cooperation between the 
nations and peoples of Asia and the United States.
  Mike Mansfield is one of Montana's most distinguished citizens, a 
remarkable public servant and accomplished statesman who helped guide 
the United States through important transitions in the domestic arena 
and in its relationship with Asia.

[[Page E2181]]

  His interest in Asia, ignited when military service took him to China 
in 1922, was bolstered by academic credentials from what is now The 
University of Montana in Missoula. Elected to the House of 
Representatives in 1942 and the Senate in 1952, he was a leading Asia 
expert in Congress and went on to become the longest-serving U.S. 
ambassador to Japan. Maureen Mansfield not only supported Mike's 
career, she inspired it. For this reason, the Foundation established by 
Congress to honor Mike begins with Maureen's name.
  Maureen and Mike Mansfield's values, ideals and vision for U.S.-Asia 
relations continue through the exchanges, dialogues and publications of 
the Mansfield Foundation. For 25 years the Foundation has helped create 
networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explored the underlying issues 
influencing public policies, and increased awareness about the nations 
and peoples of Asia.
  A centerpiece of the Foundation's work is the Mansfield Fellowship 
Program, established by Congress in 1994 to build a corps of U.S. 
Federal Government officials with substantial Japan experience. Each 
year this government-to-government exchange allows a select group of 
Federal employees to gain proficiency in the Japanese language and 
practical experience working in the Japanese government. Since the 
Fellowships were established, 86 Fellows from 22 U.S. agencies and 
departments have entered the program.
  The Foundation is also instrumental in a number of other programs.
  The Mansfield Congressional Study Tour in Asia is a program that has 
provided opportunities for Senators and their staff to develop an 
authoritative understanding of Asia through meetings with government 
officials, business leaders, and NGO representatives in major cities 
and rural areas. To date, the Foundation has led 11 senatorial study 
trips to approximately 30 cities in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
  The Foundation and the Center recently co-sponsored the 24th annual 
Mansfield Conference, which addressed a timely and critical issue--the 
security implications of climate change in Asia.
  The Mansfield Foundation was established in 1983 with a single focus 
and mission--to promote understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia 
relations. I believe both Mike and Maureen would be proud of all the 
Mansfield Foundation has done to advance that goal in the last 25 
years.

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