[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 33 (Thursday, February 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THOMAS ALOMES AND THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2015

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, each year congressional offices host 
Australian college students as interns with the Uni-Capitol program. It 
gives them the opportunity to learn about the American democratic and 
legislative process as well as see how the Congress functions on a 
firsthand basis.
   My office is taking part in it right now, along with others in 
Congress. Some of Australia's brightest are here, pursuing knowledge 
and understanding. In so doing, we are forging bonds that will last 
even after they have returned to Australia.
   The Uni-Capitol program was born of the efforts of Eric Federing. 
Eric worked for more than a decade in the House and the Senate as a 
senior adviser. While doing this job, he lectured across Australia on 
American government, politics, and news media. In an effort to forge 
ties across the Pacific and for the betterment of both societies, Eric 
put together this idea in Washington in 1999.
   The selection process for the students is competitive and 
intellectually rigorous, ensuring the highest quality applicant. Thomas 
Alomes of Monash University, my office's 2015 intern, surely reflects 
this. All participating students are comprehensively matched with a 
congressional office and corresponding position. They come from a wide 
range of academic disciplines and bring as much knowledge and 
understanding to our offices as they take away.
   Over the two months of their internship, Mr. Federing's students 
have approached this opportunity with enthusiasm. Thomas has been an 
excellent addition to my office, producing well-written and high-
quality work including memos on Civil Asset Forfeiture, the 
Authorization for Use of Military Force, and national security law. He 
has become a valued member of the team and taught us about the many 
commonalities between our two countries. While in Washington, DC, he 
has had the opportunity to learn from a wide range of officials from 
the Australian embassy, the DC media, and the White House. Now at the 
end of his internship, he can navigate the historic hallways of the 
Capitol like a pro.
   Australia continues to be one of America's strongest allies. Our 
greatest gift is the friendship born of shared values. I thank the Uni-
Capitol Program and Thomas Alomes for their hard work, and I wish the 
program and Tom continued success in the future.

                          ____________________