[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE UNI-CAPITOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, the United States 
and Australia share a longstanding relationship that has allowed the 
two nations to cooperate on many international issues. Due to the 
strength and depth of this relationship, the United States has relied 
on the support of our ally Australia in many of our mutual 
international objectives. This relationship continues to be 
strengthened through the cooperation of our two governments and through 
the cultural exchanges that occur between our nations.
  Developed by Erik Federing in 1999, the Uni-Capitol Internship 
Program enables a select group of young Australian students to 
experience the work of the United States Congress. It is through Mr. 
Federing's tireless efforts that this year, twelve exceptional 
Australian students are participating in internships in different 
Congressional offices. I have had the opportunity to work with three 
Australian students during the past five years and their 
professionalism and work ethic has been extraordinary.
  This year my office worked with another student from the Uni-Capitol 
Internship Program, Matthew Robertson. Matthew is a third year law 
student at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. He applied to the 
program with the hope to learn more about the American government. 
Matthew's extensive knowledge of the Australian government and legal 
system enhances his understanding of the American legislative process. 
During his time at my office he had the opportunity to attend Committee 
hearings, briefings, perform legislative research, and prepare memos 
for my staff and myself. His professionalism in the office and 
willingness to handle any task that was assigned to him were 
outstanding. It has truly been a pleasure to have Matthew in the 
office.
  I am certain that my colleagues were similarly impressed with the 
work done by the eleven other Australian students in the program. I 
rise to commend the Uni-Capitol Internship Program for its work to 
strengthen the relationship between the United States and Australia; 
and offer Matthew my thanks for a job well done.

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