[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG YOUTH EXCHANGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 40th anniversary of the CBYX program.
  This unique program has had more than 26,000 American and German 
participants contributing to the cultural and political exchange among 
the citizens of our countries, tying us ever closer together.
  As co-chair of the German-American Caucus, my office is proud to host 
Pau Drexler. He is 23 years old and hails from the southwestern part of 
Germany.
  On August 9 of last year, Pau and 74 other young professionals from 
Germany landed in Washington, D.C., to start an exchange year as part 
of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. As the word ``exchange'' 
implies, 75 young Americans landed during that same time in Frankfurt, 
Germany.
  As part of the program, participants aged between 18 and 25 are 
placed from Alaska to Texas and New York City to Los Angeles. This 
diversity is reflected in the great variety of jobs that they are 
trained in. Whether bakers, mechanics, or tailors, the CBYX program is 
an ideal occasion to exchange knowledge, skills, and experience on a 
professional level, but there are personal connections that emerge from 
the participants' immersion into daily life of their host communities, 
as well.

  Many of Pau's fellows have already formed great bonds with their host 
families and classmates. Consequently, Clara, a participant of the 35th 
CBYX cohort who also interned on the Hill, visited her initial and 
Pau's current host family last weekend in D.C.
  The CBYX program is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the 
German Bundestag. It is an extraordinary chance for young minds to 
learn about different perspectives and create a better understanding of 
these in their host and their home communities.
  Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the German-American Caucus, I want to 
emphasize the importance of this program as it strengthens the bonds 
between our countries not only on a governmental but also on a civic 
level.
  The CBYX is an unprecedented exchange program and a great example of 
how cultural and political exchange amongst citizens can positively 
impact international relations in a different, more grassroots, and 
hands-on way.


                Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for winning 
Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.
  This section of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail in McKean County is a 
7.8-mile-long trail. The former rail line now provides a level trail 
for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. In winter months 
cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.
  The Knox and Kane Rail Trail spans four counties in Northern 
Pennsylvania and is a source of outdoor fun for the whole family, 
whether you are local or, quite frankly, a visitor passing through.
  The Pennsylvania Trail of the Year Award is given by the Department 
of Conservation and Natural Resources to help build enthusiasm and 
support for trails across the State and to raise public awareness about 
the value of Pennsylvania's land and water trail network.
  Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania continues its tradition of being a leader 
in trail development by providing its citizens and visitors with more 
than 12,000 miles of trails.
  Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for 
this tremendous accomplishment.

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