[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E208-E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE UNI-CAPITOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, The United States 
and Australia share a longstanding relationship that has allowed the 
two nations to cooperate on many international issues. Due to the 
strength and depth of this relationship, the United States has relied 
on the support of our ally Australia in many of our mutual 
international objectives. This relationship continues to be 
strengthened through the cooperation of our two governments and through 
the cultural exchanges that occur between our nations.
  Developed by Erik Federing in 1999, the Uni-Capitol Internship 
Program enables a select group of young Australian students to 
experience the work of the United States Congress. It is through Mr. 
Federing's tireless efforts that this year, twelve exceptional 
Australian students are participating in internships in different 
Congressional offices. I have had the opportunity to work with three 
Australian students during the past five years and their 
professionalism and work ethic has been extraordinary.
  This year my office worked with another student from the Uni-Capitol 
Internship Program,

[[Page E209]]

Matthew Robertson. Matthew is a third year law student at Deakin 
University in Melbourne Australia. He applied to the program with the 
hope to learn more about the American government. Matthew's extensive 
knowledge of the Australian government and legal system enhances his 
understanding of the American legislative process. During his time at 
my office he had the opportunity to attend Committee hearings, 
briefings, perform legislative research, and prepare memos for my staff 
and myself. His professionalism in the office and willingness to handle 
any task that was assigned to him were outstanding. It has truly been a 
pleasure to have Matthew in the office.
  I am certain that my colleagues were similarly impressed with the 
work done by the eleven other Australian students in the program. I 
rise to commend the Uni-Capitol Internship Program for its work to 
strengthen the relationship between the United States and Australia; 
and offer Matthew my thanks for a job well done.

                          ____________________