Australian University Students as Ambassadors to and From Congress

AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AS AMBASSADORS TO AND FROM CONGRESS -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JERROLD NADLER
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2004

Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, there is a long list of people and institutions that have helped our nation flourish through our nearly 228 years of independence. One of our greatest traditions as Americans is to welcome friends from around the world into our lives-sometimes professionally and sometimes personally.

Most congressional offices host American college students, to help our nation's future leaders understand the political complexities affecting our constituents and our jobs as their representatives. Now, thanks to the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program, some of Australia's best and brightest university students have had the opportunity to participate in six-week, full-time internships in House and Senate offices. These internships have proved to be an invaluable learning experience, both for the students and for their hosts.

The program is the brainchild and pro bono non-partisan effort of former long-time House and Senate staffer Eric K. Federing, who began lecturing at Australian universities in the early 1990s while working for our former colleague Norman Y. Mineta of California. Mr. Federing wanted to bridge what Australians call "The Tyranny of Distance," which can prevent Americans and Australians from knowing each other as well as our mutual interests and traditions suggest we should.

Five universities now participate and a dozen Australian students travel to Washington, DC annually as part of the program. An important reason for the exchange's success is the careful matching of students and their interests with our work and constituencies. This year, Laura Crommelin, a law student from the University of Melbourne, joined my staff for most of January and February. She is professionally poised, and sophisticated in her understanding of our mission as a chamber and my work for the 8th District of New York. Meeting Laura has given my staff and me an insight into Australian politics and society, as well as a fresh perspective on the work we are doing here in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I believe my experience has not been unique. The students and other congressional hosts in 2004 should be congratulated for their participation in this exchange: Richard Abraham, of Macquarie University, in the office of Senator CHRISTOPHER DODD of Connecticut; Kirstin Ferguson, of the University of Wollongong, in the office of Representative ALCEE HASTINGS of Florida; Netta Goussac, of the University of Western Australia, in the office of Representative LORETTA SANCHEZ of California; Elli Jacovides, of the University of Melbourne, in the office of Representative JIM CLYBURN of South Carolina; Leng Lee, of the University of Melbourne, in the office of the Joint Economic Committee, minority staff; Ian Repper, of the University of Western Australia, in the offices of
Representative BOB NEY of Ohio and the House Administration Committee, majority staff; Heather Rietdyk, of the
University of Canberra, in the office of Representative SAM FARR of California; Louise Squire, of the University of Western Australia, in the office of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, minority staff; Lisa Sharland, of Macquarie University, in the office of Senator CHUCK HAGEL of Nebraska; Ken Shaw, of the University of Melbourne, in the office of the House Small Business Committee, majority staff; and Jane Stewart, of the University of Melbourne, in the office of Representative LOUISE SLAUGHTER of New York.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that this effort has received programmatic assistance from both the U.S. and Australian governments, as well as numerous individuals and institutions in Washington, DC that have welcomed these students during their visit. I am proud to participate in this worthwhile program, and wish it continued success in the future.