[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MICHAEL SABLJAK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Michael 
Sabljak, who is interning in my office as part of the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Program. The Uni-Capitol Washington Program (UCWIP) has 
paired some of the brightest Australian students with various 
congressional offices for almost two decades, and I am happy to be a 
host again this year.
  Michael comes from the University of Melbourne where he is studying 
for his Juris Doctor degree. Over the past couple of months, I have 
found him to be outstanding in his duties and continually going above 
and beyond the call of duty. He has attended committee hearings, 
assisted with constituent correspondence, and assisted me, as well as 
my staff, with research. He was asked to travel down to Alabama during 
the latter part of February, and Michael and I travelled over 700 miles 
across the Fourth Congressional District. His Australian accent has 
garnered the friendly attention of many of my constituents on tours and 
over the phone. Michael'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 17 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 also thank Eric Federing for the opportunity to host 
Michael over the past several weeks through the program. To date, over 
180 interns have come through his program, representing 10 different 
universities over the program's lifetime. It enhances opportunities for 
the individuals who come, and enlightens 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 who are a pleasure to host and work with. It was an honor 
to have Michael in our office over the past couple of months, and I 
wish him the very best in the future. Michael, thank you again for your 
hard work and dedication.

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