Mike Gallagher: “I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this bipartisan legislation spearheaded by my distinguished colleague from…”

“I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this bipartisan legislation spearheaded by my distinguished colleague from Wisconsin. As a Gallagher in good standing, I am glad this bill will strengthen our Nation's ties with Ireland. But just as importantly, I take a minute to recognize the value of the underlying E-3 visa program to the U.S.-Australia alliance. The E-3 visa program was negotiated in 2005 following the conclusion of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The visa is designed to give highly skilled and professional Australians access to U.S. employment in fields and trades that require specialized education and training. It is good for both the United States and Australia. About 82,000 Americans are employed by Australian businesses in the United States, for example, with an average salary of $98,000. In just one example, the very first employee of the Movember Foundation in the United States was an Australian who came over on an E-3 visa. Movember is now one of the largest nongovernment investors in prostate cancer research and services in the world, growing its footprint here in the United States as it has created jobs while doing good. This program is a tangible recognition of the close and enduring partnership, or mateship, as we say, between the United States and Australia, which we are celebrating the 100-year anniversary of this year. Our alliance remains one that not only drives our prosperity but our security as well.…”