[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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