[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
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

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, for the past 17 years, the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program (UCWIP) has granted the opportunity for a 
select group of Australian students from ten partner universities the 
opportunity to intern in a Congressional office from January to March 
each year. Since 1999, over 180 Australian students have had the 
benefit of partaking in these internships, and credit is due to Eric 
Federing, a former senior Senate and House Congressional staffer who 
founded and continues to coordinate the program. The students must 
undertake a rigorous application process to be successful and come from 
a range of backgrounds. The program is a mutual exchange--the students 
use their time in Washington, D.C. to develop their knowledge of 
American politics and have the opportunity to work on a range of issues 
that are of personal interest, while simultaneously sharing experiences 
from their home country with their office.
  This year, our office is lucky to be hosting Emily Denbigh from the 
University of Adelaide. Emily is currently in her 4th year of a 
Bachelor's degree in Law and Arts, pursuing a major in Development 
Studies and a minor in French. She is passionate about social justice 
issues, and has previously undertaken an internship in Tanzania with a 
women's legal rights organization. She is interested in pursuing a 
career in international human rights law or environmental law. During 
her time in Washington, D.C., Emily has enjoyed learning about the 
dynamic American political system and California's beautiful 20th 
district. She has developed her knowledge of legal environmental 
issues, including what the American judicial system and legislators can 
do to combat climate change and promote conservation. She has also 
enjoyed talking to our constituents, who take a particular interest in 
her accent.
  We have enjoyed hearing her accent and all of her wonderful ideas. 
Emily is a hardworking and highly intelligent woman. She is a strong 
writer and researcher and her passion for the environment and social 
justice shows in all the conversations I have had with her and through 
her writing. She has been a great asset to our team and we will be 
sorry to see her leave.
  My staff and I have greatly enjoyed participating in the UCWIP 
program since its inception. I thank Mr. Federing for his hard work and 
dedication in bringing these Australian students to our nation's 
capital and for sending us Emily this session.

                          ____________________