Dear Representatives,
It is my honor to welcome you to the United States House of Representatives and the 27th Session of Harvard Model Congress! I look forward to meeting you, and hope you are excited to engage in vigorous and educational debate during this conference. As members of the House, you will be asked to assume the role of a congressional representative and confront the most complex and controversial questions of our time. This experience will allow you to think critically, forge a consensus, and turn your thoughts and opinions into policy—in short, you will get a taste of how our legislature works every day. You will meet intelligent and engaged students from around the country with whom you can collaborate and share ideas, and HMC will help you gain a better understanding of the issues facing the nation.
The House of Representatives is the largest and most diverse chamber of Congress. It is composed of 435 members who serve for two-year terms. Because the entire House is elected every two years and each member comes from a specific district, representatives are highly accountable to the voters. You must therefore be sensitive to your constituent’s immediate needs while also crafting policy that shapes the long-term future of the nation. We hope you will dive into your roles and approach your duties with enthusiasm!
In order to get the most out of your experience, I encourage you to speak your mind and share your ideas in committee and full session debates. Our staff works hard to ensure that your briefings are accurate and comprehensive, so take the time to read them in depth and reflect on possible solutions to the problems with which you are presented. By asking questions and remaining engaged, you will no doubt create strong bonds and take away meaningful lessons from the experience.
We in the House wish you the best and thank you for your dedication and drive. I look forward to seeing the innovative and thoughtful legislation you pass. If you have any questions, please contact your committee chair or me. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in February!
Best,
Spencer Todd
Speaker of the House