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Managing America: Education

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Week Ending September 7, 2007

S.377 A bill to establish a United States-Poland parliamentary youth exchange program, and for other purposes.

<< Click flag for map and country data, Poland

The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a one-year exchange program through which Polish and US students under age 19 can study in the US and Poland in a credit-approved program.

The bill aims to demonstrate to US and Polish youth the benefits of friendly cooperation between the countries based on common political and cultural values. ‘Findings’ in the bill outline a spirit of cooperation between the two countries since the Polish Republic began in 1919.

The students must live in and attend a public secondary school for one year, undertake academic studies with particular emphasis on the history, constitution and political development of the host country and be eligible for an internship in the host country.

An annual report to Congress is required.

Sponsor:  Rep. Richard Lugar (IN)

Vote: Agreed to by voice vote September 5, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: Authorizes appropriations. Amount will be determined under a future appropriation bill.  “CBO estimates the proposed program would require an appropriation of $5 million for 2008”

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MORE INFORMATION

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) The United States established diplomatic relations with the newly-formed Polish Republic in April 1919.

(2) The United States and Poland have enjoyed close bilateral relations since 1989.

(3) Poland became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March 1999.

(4) Poland became a member of the European Union (EU) in May 2004.

(5) Poland has been a strong supporter, both diplomatically and militarily, of efforts led by the United States to combat global terrorism and has contributed troops to the United States-led coalitions in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

(6) Poland cooperates closely with the United States on such issues as democratization, nuclear proliferation, human rights, regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform of the United Nations.

(7) The United States and Poland seek to ensure enduring ties between both governments and societies.

(8) It is important to invest in the youth of the United States and Poland in order to help ensure long-lasting ties between both societies.

(9) It is in the interest of the United States to preserve a United States presence in Europe and to continue to contribute to the development of transatlantic relationships.

(10) Poland for many years received international and United States financial assistance and is now determined to invest its own resources toward attaining its shared desire with the United States to develop international cooperation.

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