We welcome you to the House Homeland Security Committee, a committee aimed at providing Congressional supervision for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while guarding Americans against potential terrorist attacks. We are very excited to be with you and look forward to discussing the issues with you all. We will have a lot of fun while engaging in meaningful and impactful debate and discussion. There is a lot to look forward to, and we hope to be able to get to know you better as we move closer to conference time! First, we would like to take a moment to introduce ourselves.
Hi everybody! My name is Brad Talk, and I am a junior concentrating in Sociology with a secondary in Sanskrit and Indian Studies. This will be my third HMC Boston conference. I come from Provo, Utah, and, yes, I am a Mormon. I served my two year mission in Bangalore, India, and constantly have cravings for Indian food-the spicier the better. At Harvard I am involved with the Native American Youth Enrichment Program as a mentor, and I am the Outreach Coordinator for the Latter-Day Saint Student Association.
Hello delegates! My name is Jasmine Omeke, and I will co-chair this committee with Brad. This is my second HMC Boston conference. I hail from the great city of Chicago and would love to tell you anything about the amazing Chicago deep-dish pizza. I am a sophomore concentrating in Government with a secondary in Sociology. When I have free time, I love to attend poetry slams and art exhibitions, and I am very interested in the culinary arts. During my time at Harvard, I have participated in the Harvard Undergraduate Legal Committee, the Black Student’s Association, and the Food Literacy Project.
Our committee will be focused on discussing two important issues: the Strategic Petroleum Reserves and the Allocation of Aid to the Taliban-Controlled Areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The recent death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan serves as a prime example of American policy impacting areas associated with the Taliban. Furthermore, bin Laden’s death may further complicate the relationship between America and Pakistan. In other recent news, the Committee on Homeland Security has drafted a bill to decrease gas prices in the midst of turmoil in the Middle East. As incoming news show, our topics are crucial issues involving United States security. Read the briefings and remember to research your role assignment. Our hope is that you will come to committee well prepared to speak on the issues. It is wise to think of a few ideas beforehand of how to address the problems within these issues through legislation. We are both very excited to have you in our committee. If there is anything we can do to help you throughout your preparation, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us. We are looking forward to the conference!
Your Committee Chairs,