[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 45]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT STAFF EXCHANGE

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, since 1983, the United States 
Congress 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 convey Members' views on 
issues of mutual concern.
  A staff delegation from the United States Congress will be selected 
to visit Germany April 7 to April 22 of this year. During the two week 
exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag Members, 
Bundestag party staff members, and representatives of numerous 
political, business, academic, and media agencies. Cultural activities 
and a weekend visit in a Bundestag Member's district will complete the 
schedule.
  A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United 
States for three weeks this summer. They will attend similar meetings 
here in Washington and visit the districts of Congressional Members.
  The Congress-Bundestag Staff Exchange is highly regarded in Germany, 
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.
  The U.S. delegation should 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 in Germany and the United States such as, but not limited to, 
trade, security, the environment, immigration, economic development, 
health care, and other social policy issues.
  In addition, U.S. participants are expected to help plan and 
implement the program for the Bundestag staff delegation when they 
visit the United States. Participants are expected to assist in 
planning topical meetings in Washington, and are encouraged to host one 
or two Bundestag staffers in their Member's district in July, or to 
arrange for such a visit to another Member's district.
  Participants are selected by a committee composed of personnel from 
the Bureau of Education and Culture Exchanges of the U.S. Department of 
State and past participants of the exchange.
  Senators and Representatives 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 why they believe 
they are qualified, the contributions they can make to a successful 
program and some assurances of their ability to participate during the 
time stated. Applications may be sent to Connie Veillette in 
Congressman Regula's office, 2309 Rayburn House Building by noon on 
Friday, March 3.

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