“As someone who has been involved with Open World since its inception, I want to express my strong support for Open World exchanges for young legislators and other emerging leaders from the former Soviet Union. I recently returned from a legislative exchange to Kyrgyzstan, where I met with Open World alumni and saw firsthand their potential for bringing about change. Now more than ever, it is important for America to maintain and grow our relationships in Central Asia, and Open World is making a difference there. I am grateful for Congress’s support of such a far-reaching and farsighted program.”