[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E179-E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program. This annual program is a wonderful 
educational experience for both the Congressional office and especially 
for the visiting intern. The eight week program delivers some of 
Australia's best and brightest university students who have exhibited a 
passion for civic engagement and public service.
  Eric Federing of KPMG is the inspiration behind the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program which he first organized in 2000. I thank 
him for his efforts in promoting U.S.-Australian understanding through 
this program and am proud to say that since its inception I have been a 
proud participant. This year, I welcomed an outstanding student-
ambassador to my office, Erin Riley, who has shared with us the 
different perspective she offers as a newcomer to Washington, D.C. Ms. 
Riley joined my office from the United States Studies Centre at the 
University of Sydney, and has proven to be a shining example of the 
high caliber of students who are involved in

[[Page E180]]

this program. Currently undertaking a Master of Letters degree in U.S. 
Studies, Erin has relished the opportunity to see the practical 
application of her studies in American politics and has had the chance 
to gain hands-on experience in working on domestic issues, especially 
health care policy.
  Since welcoming Ms. Riley to my office on January 4, she has been an 
invaluable asset. In addition to attending committee hearings and 
briefings, assisting my staff with legislative research, and taking an 
active role in our mail program, Erin has demonstrated her commitment 
and enthusiasm for understanding our American government. Erin has 
particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet constituents while giving 
Capitol tours, and to offer her perspective on the United States from 
the view of an outsider.
  Erin is one of several outstanding Australian interns. This year, 12 
students from across Australia were matched with Congressional offices. 
They were drawn from seven Australian universities in four different 
Australian states. The Uni-Capitol program gives its students practical 
experience and allows them to gain knowledge and understanding of the 
internal workings of the United States Government.
  Including this current group, 105 Australian students from 10 
universities have interned in Washington, D.C. since the program's 
inception 11 years ago. Due credit must go to the founder of the 
University-Capitol Washington Internship Program, Eric Federing. Mr. 
Federing is a former senior House and Senate congressional staffer who 
has worked to develop the exchange of ideas and knowledge between the 
U.S. and Australia through his efforts with the Uni-Capitol Washington 
Internship Program.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to help foster 
international connections by participating in this rewarding program. 
It is truly heartening to see how much this program has grown over the 
years, and I look forward to its continued success. I ask my colleagues 
to join with me in recognizing the contributions of the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program and, again, thank Erin Riley for her 
admirable participation and diligent work.

                          ____________________