[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2361-2362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, each year America hosts thousands of foreign 
students from around the globe. For those of us who develop a 
professional or personal relationship with any of these individuals, we 
are truly enriched by their different perspective on the world. My 
staff has been fortunate enough to host a young woman from Australia, 
Rhiannon Riches. Driven by her insatiable desire for knowledge and 
experience, Rhiannon has quickly become an asset to me, my staff, and 
the state of Delaware. Every day, her presence reminds us of the 
innumerable benefits available through cross-cultural exchange.
  For over 100 years, Australia and the United States have enjoyed a 
unique partnership that has endured world wars, economic malaise, and 
our current battle with terrorism. This tradition continues through the 
Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program, which provides Australian 
students with the opportunity to experience American democracy first-
hand through internships with Congressional offices.

[[Page 2362]]

  The Uni-Capitol Program is the pro bono effort of former long-time 
House and Senate staffer Eric K. Federing. During the 1990s, Mr. 
Federing made extensive visits to Australian universities, where he 
lectured on government, politics, and news media. These visits were his 
impetus for the successful program that Uni-Capitol is today.
  Currently, there are seven universities participating from across 
Australia. A dozen students travel to Washington, DC annually as part 
of the exchange, which has received support from both the U.S. and 
Australian governments. In 2004, Mr. Federing's firm, KPMG LLP, 
recognized the significance of the program with a Chairman's Award for 
Excellence in Volunteerism. However, according to Mr. Federing, the 
enthusiastic students who embrace this incredible opportunity are the 
true beating heart of the program.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that our experience has not been unique. The 
other students and congressional hosts in 2005 should be congratulated 
for participating in this exchange: Julian Barendse (Melbourne 
University) in the office of Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska; Anna 
Birmingham (University of Western Australia) in the office of Rep. Bob 
Ney of Ohio and the House Administration Committee, majority; Kirstan 
Fulton (University of Wollongong) in the office of Rep. Sam Farr of 
California; Alethea Giles (Macquarie University) in the office of Rep. 
Jerrold Nadler of New York; Sana Nakata (Melbourne University) in the 
office of Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida; Yvonne Oberhollenzer 
(University of Queensland) in the office of Rep. Loretta Sanchez of 
California; Lauren Reed (Deakin University) in the office of the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, minority; Peita Richards 
(Macquarie University) in the office of the House Administration 
Committee, minority; Anthony Skews (Melbourne University) in the office 
of the House Science Committee, majority; Luke Toy (University of 
Canberra) in the office of Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut; and, 
Ariella Webb (Melbourne University) in the office of the House Small 
Business Committee, majority.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to our Australian friends for 
their unbridled enthusiasm, tireless work ethic, and friendship over 
these past two months. The relationships we have forged here will last 
a lifetime, and it is my sincere hope that every congressional office 
partake in a similar endeavor.

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