[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E150-E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING WILLIAM ASHFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. William 
Ashford, who is interning in my office with the Uni-Capitol Washington 
Program. The Uni-Capitol Washington Program (UCWIP) has paired some of 
the brightest Australian students with various congressional offices 
for more than a decade and I am happy to be a host again this year.
  Will comes from the University of Wollongong and is studying 
engineering and

[[Page E151]]

commerce. Over the past month, I have found him to be outstanding in 
his duties and going above and beyond our expectations. He has attended 
committee hearings, drafted constituent correspondence, and assisted me 
as well as my staff with research. His Australian accent has garnered 
the attention of many of my constituents on tours and over the phone. 
Will's commitment, hard work, and presence have been an asset to the 
office and he will be sorely missed by all.
  The program has been in force for 13 years thanks to the vision of 
Eric Federing, its director and founder. The students who are selected 
come from a variety of academic disciplines, but all have a common 
interest: promoting the U.S.-Australia relationship. These student 
placements are enhanced by the formation of genuine friendships and the 
exchange of views and ideas between the Australian interns and their 
respective offices. We are grateful for these friendships and it is our 
hope that they strengthen the diplomatic ties of our great countries.
  I would like to thank Eric Federing for the opportunity to host Will 
over the past several weeks. To date, over 130 interns have come 
through his program representing 8 different universities over the 
program's lifetime. It enhances opportunities for the individuals who 
come and enlighten those who they come to. After the internship, many 
receive jobs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. or go to work with 
Federal or various State Parliaments in Australia. Other interns have 
gone on to work in the Australian Embassy or The World Bank. Simply 
put, this program selects incredibly talented individuals that are a 
pleasure to host and work with. It was an honor to have Will in our 
office and I wish him the very best in the future. Will, thank you 
again for your hard work and dedication.

                          ____________________