[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2024 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE JOHNSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2024

  Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, the U.S. Congress 
(House and Senate) and the German Bundestag and Bundesrat have 
conducted an annual exchange program for staff members from both 
countries. The program gives professional staff the opportunity to 
observe and learn about each other's political institutions and engage 
in discussion regarding mutual interest.
  A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit 
Germany from Friday, June 28-Sunday, July 7, 2024. During this 
exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag/Bundesrat 
party staff members, and representatives of numerous political, 
business, academic and media agencies.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States from Saturday, September 14-Sunday, September 22, 2024. They 
will attend similar meetings in Washington organized by the members of 
the U.S. delegation.
  The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in 
Germany and the United States and is one of several exchange programs 
sponsored by public and private institutions in the United States and 
Germany to foster better understanding of the politics and policies of 
both countries. This exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of 
State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
  The U.S. delegation shall consist of experienced and accomplished 
Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both 
sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag reciprocates by sending senior 
staff professionals to the United States.
  Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe. 
Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs, 
although such a background can be helpful. The composite U.S. 
delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual 
concern to the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to, 
trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care, 
and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be 
familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent 
world events.
  Please note that there is a significant time commitment aspect for 
those selected for the program. In addition, U.S. participants are 
expected to plan and implement the meetings and programs for the 
Bundestag/Bundesrat staff members when they visit the United States.
  Members of the House and Senate who would like a member of their 
staff to apply for participation in this year's program should direct 
them to submit a resume and cover letter in which they state their 
qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program 
and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time 
stated.
  Applications should be sent to the Office of Interparliamentary 
Affairs, HC-4, the Capitol, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. Please 
submit the application and any questions to 
[email protected].

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