Joe Lieberman: “since 1983, the United States Congress and the German Parliament, the Bundestag, have conducted an annual exchange…”

“since 1983, the United States Congress and the German Parliament, the Bundestag, have conducted an annual exchange program for staff members from both countries. The program gives professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about the workings of each other's political institutions and convey Members' views on issues of mutual concern. This year marks the fifth exchange with a reunified Germany and a parliament consisting of members from all 16 German states. A delegation of staff members from the United States Congress will be chosen to visit Germany from May 7 to May 20. During the 2-week exchange, most of it will be spent at meetings conducted by Bundestag Members, Bundestag party staff members, and representatives of political, business, academic, and the media. Cultural activities and a weekend visit in a Bundestag Member's district round out the exchange. A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United States in July for a 3-week period. They will attend similar meetings here in Washington and visit the districts of congressional Members over the Fourth of July recess. The Congress-Bundestag Exchange is highly regarded in Germany, 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.”