[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2023 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE
______
HON. KEVIN McCARTHY
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, since 1983, the U.S. Congress (House and
Senate) and the German Bundestag and Bundesrat have conducted an annual
exchange program for staff members from both countries. The program
gives professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about
each other's political institutions and engage in discussion regarding
mutual interest.
A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit
Germany from Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 9, 2023. During this
exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag/Bundesrat
party staff members, and representatives of numerous political,
business, academic and media agencies.
A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United
States from Saturday, October 21-Monday, October 30, 2023. They will
attend similar meetings in Washington organized by the members of the
U.S. delegation.
The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in
Germany and the United States and is one of several exchange programs
sponsored by public and private institutions in the United States and
Germany to foster better understanding of the politics and policies of
both countries. This exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of
State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The U.S. delegation shall consist of experienced and accomplished
Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both
sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag reciprocates by sending senior
staff professionals to the United States.
Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe.
Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs,
although such a background can be helpful. The composite U.S.
delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual
concern to the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to,
trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care,
and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be
familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent
world events.
Please note that there is a significant time commitment aspect for
those selected for the program. In addition, U.S. participants are
expected to plan and implement the meetings and programs for the
Bundestag/Bundesrat staff members when they visit the United States.
Members of the House and Senate who would like a member of their
staff to apply for participation in this year's program should direct
them to submit a resume and cover letter in which they state their
qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program
and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time
stated.
The completion of two vaccinations and proof of vaccination may be
required with the traveler's passport dependent on the destination
country's COVID protocols.
Applications should be sent to the Office of Interparliamentary
Affairs, HC-4, the Capitol, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023. Please
submit the application and any questions to
[email protected].
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