Tribute To Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program

Floor Speech

TRIBUTE TO UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 09, 2007)

* Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, as we listen to our constituents, grapple with their needs, speak out, legislate, and otherwise work to improve their lives and the life of our Nation, we take great pride in the ability of Congress and our system of government to inspire the world beyond our borders. But just as important as this inspiration is the recognition of what we all can learn from that world, from people who want to study, visit or otherwise immerse themselves in this great institution as a means towards better understanding the United States.

* For the last 8 years, a unique international exchange has taken place here in Congress. Future leaders of Australia have participated in what's known as the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program. Through this program each year, one dozen of Australia's best and brightest university students have been carefully matched to House and Senate offices for two-month full-time internships. These internships have enabled me and many of my colleagues to share our pride in the American republic while at the same time learning more firsthand about the Australian commonwealth, its people, its ideas, and our numerous shared values.

* It is an understatement to say that Australia and the United States are close allies globally or that we merely have such similarities as vibrant democracies, free-enterprise economies, and diverse societies. We are in many ways close cousins with complex national histories. That is what these young Australians get to learn as they are welcomed here, and how we profit by their all-too-brief presence among us.

* This year, it has been my pleasure to participate in this program for the third time and host Sylvia Gaston from the University of Melbourne.

* Her kindness, can-do spirit, eagerness to learn, and willingness to share her views with me and my staff have made her an exceptional ambassador for her university and for her country. During her time with us, the closeness of the Australian and American peoples is clearly evident, just as it is evident that this exchange is not merely an academic exercise or even confined to Congress. It is about building for tomorrow, about personal and professional growth, and about lasting international friendships.

* Sylvia is not alone in this experience in the First Session of the 110th Congress. Joining her in this very bipartisan effort: Emmanuel Rohan in the office of Representative MIKE CASTLE; Charis Tierney in the office of Senator MIKE CRAPO; Nicole Woodmansey in the office of Senator CHRISTOPHER DODD; Clare Ashby in the office of Representative PHILIP ENGLISH; Anna Keenan in the office of Representative SAM FARR; Nisha Sundaresan in the office of Senator CHUCK HAGEL; Anu Ambikaipalan in the office of Representative ALCEE HASTINGS; Megan Bainbridge in the office of Representative JERROLD NADLER; Stuart Broadfoot in the office of Representative ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN; Jennifer Grant in the office of Representative LORETTA SANCHEZ; and, Michael Ng at House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (Majority).

* Both the U.S. and Australian Governments have been strong supporters of this exchange over the years, and rightly so. Seven Australian universities currently participate in the program from 4 of the 6 Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory. Students are put forward from such diverse disciplines as economics, commerce, trade, science, law, communications, politics, and of course, American studies.

* One of the more noteworthy aspects of the program is that it is an entirely pro bono project. Eric Federing, who served as a senior staffer in the House and Senate for a dozen years in the 1980s and 1990s, created the program 8 years ago soon after going to work for the auditing firm KPMG. What the effort almost completely lacks in bureaucracy, it makes up for in the personal trust, practical purpose and contagious enthusiasm that gave life to this highly-personalized vision of international exchange, which followed Eric's many travels to Australia in the 1990s while still on congressional staff.

* Madam Speaker, many of my colleagues have recognized this effort over the years. I did so myself 4 years ago when the annual intern group was much smaller and drawn from only a single Australian university. It is heartening to see how much this program has grown, thrived, and how tribute has been paid not just here but in the Australian Parliament.

* In conclusion, Madam Speaker, there is so much we can learn when we connect people, whether here at home or around the world. Technology has greatly reduced what the Australians would call the ``Tyranny of Distance.'' But only when you meet with and sit down with someone from another city, another state, or another country can you fully understand and appreciate the world through their eyes and divine where common ground can be found and endure.

* My great hope is not only that this program continues, but that others will be founded in its spirit and focused towards as many peoples and places as possible in our world.

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