[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1154]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the Uni-
Capitol Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP. For more than a decade, 
this international internship program has been enabling outstanding 
Australian college students to participate in internships throughout 
the U.S. Congress.
  Students participating in the program obtain immeasurable experience 
through their congressional internships, and participants also have the 
opportunity to participate in other educational experiences, including 
U.S. historic site and government agency visits and other learning 
events. I am proud to be involved in this rewarding and well-rounded 
exchange program, and I am grateful for the contribution Uni-Capitol 
Washington Programme interns continue to make in providing valuable 
viewpoints and helping me serve Idaho constituents.
  Gemma Whiting, a UCWIP participant, has joined my staff as an intern 
this semester. She is studying law/arts at the University of Western 
Australia, where she is majoring in political science and international 
relations. Gemma has spent many hours helping keep my schedule and 
activities running smoothly, and she has been an immense asset. Her 
commitment and hard work are appreciated, and we are fortunate to have 
Gemma as a part of the team. I asked her to share her impressions 
regarding the program and her internship. She said, ``It was an honor 
to be a part of UCWIP 2011. The opportunity to work in Senator Crapo's 
office has been the most remarkable experience. I could not have hoped 
for a more welcoming and affable office. The insight gained through 
this opportunity is invaluable, adding a higher level of understanding 
to the intricate workings of the U.S. Congress and the world's foremost 
democracy. This internship has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, 
adding priceless knowledge to my studies in Law and Political Science. 
I could not have had a more enjoyable or memorable experience thanks to 
Senator Crapo's office.''
  I also commend the efforts of the program's director and founder, 
Eric Federing, who has utilized his own Capitol Hill and Australia 
experiences to provide this important exchange opportunity that 
benefits both Australian students and congressional offices. His 
interest and skill have been instrumental in shaping an outstanding 
program.
  I look forward to continuing my association with the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Programme, which I have been honored to be 
involved with for 5 years. I commend Gemma Whiting, Eric Federing and 
the other Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme participants and 
interns for contributing to the 12 successful years of this important 
program that facilitates the valuable broadening of relationships and 
understanding between our two countries.

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