A Tribute to Thomas Alomes and the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, each year congressional offices host
Australian college students as interns with the Uni-Capitol program. It
gives them the opportunity to learn about the American democratic and
legislative process as well as see how the Congress functions on a
firsthand basis.

My office is taking part in it right now, along with others in
Congress. Some of Australia's brightest are here, pursuing knowledge
and understanding. In so doing, we are forging bonds that will last
even after they have returned to Australia.

The Uni-Capitol program was born of the efforts of Eric Federing.
Eric worked for more than a decade in the House and the Senate as a
senior adviser. While doing this job, he lectured across Australia on
American government, politics, and news media. In an effort to forge
ties across the Pacific and for the betterment of both societies, Eric
put together this idea in Washington in 1999.

The selection process for the students is competitive and
intellectually rigorous, ensuring the highest quality applicant. Thomas
Alomes of Monash University, my office's 2015 intern, surely reflects
this. All participating students are comprehensively matched with a
congressional office and corresponding position. They come from a wide
range of academic disciplines and bring as much knowledge and
understanding to our offices as they take away.

Over the two months of their internship, Mr. Federing's students
have approached this opportunity with enthusiasm. Thomas has been an
excellent addition to my office, producing well-written and high-
quality work including memos on Civil Asset Forfeiture, the
Authorization for Use of Military Force, and national security law. He
has become a valued member of the team and taught us about the many
commonalities between our two countries. While in Washington, DC, he
has had the opportunity to learn from a wide range of officials from
the Australian embassy, the DC media, and the White House. Now at the
end of his internship, he can navigate the historic hallways of the
Capitol like a pro.

Australia continues to be one of America's strongest allies. Our
greatest gift is the friendship born of shared values. I thank the Uni-
Capitol Program and Thomas Alomes for their hard work, and I wish the
program and Tom continued success in the future.

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