Welcome to Harvard Model Congress 2012! My name is Cindy Hsu, and I will be chairing the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. I hope you all are excited about the upcoming conference where you will all be able to explore your interests in politics as well as specific issues related to this committee. During HMC, you will not only learn about the topics discussed in committee, but also how the legislative branch of the American government functions. I look forward to the conference in February where I’ll get hear about all your great ideas during the discussions!
This year, our committee will be addressing complex and urgent issues related to the economy as well as the living standards of many Americans. As a committee, you will be seeking to provide consumers with more protection by making financial literacy education more accessible and even demanding better disclosure on consumer credit product terms and personal credit information. The measures placed by your legislation will hopefully make Americans wiser consumers in the market. In addition, you will be examining ways to improve our public infrastructure. In order to maintain high living standards, it is important for us to provide our citizens with functional highways and bridges, reliable transit options, a safe water supply, etc. The decisions you make about these issues will impact all U.S. citizens in some capacity. And while you all will be creating national policies, do keep in mind that as senators, you might want to consider your regional interests as well.
Participating in HMC is not merely being part of an American government simulation, but also an opportunity for you to experience the way the American government works and to meet other students who share the same passion for politics as you do. You will get to debate against others who have different opinions and views, which will allow you to look at these issues from different perspectives. HMC will indeed be intellectually stimulating, but it will also be fun. You’ll get to make new friends from all over the country, explore Boston, and visit the Harvard campus.
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and I would love it if you’d all do the same by emailing me. I am currently a sophomore in Mather House, concentrating in Social Studies. On campus, I am involved in HMC (obviously), the Institute of Politics, and the Human Rights Coalition. I am originally from San Diego, and in my free time, enjoy watching TV, going to museums, drawing, eating, and hanging out with my friends.
I am delighted to chair the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and am super excited to meet all of you!
Sincerely,