Welcome to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security! As a senator in one of the most influential Senate committees, you will have the opportunity to discuss and determine the country’s stance on terrorism in light of Osama bin Laden’s death, anticipated reprisals, and the sensitive state of diplomacy with Pakistan. You will also evaluate Secure Communities, a controversial measure of enforcing immigration policy.
The issues you will deliberate on are current, complex, and call for thorough preparation before the conference. In addition to reading your briefings and updates, you may consider staying abreast of the topics by reading the newspaper or watching the news. Be sure to research your assigned senator’s position on terrorism and immigration policy, so that debate in committee meetings will reflect partisan and regional interests as accurately as possible. Your familiarity with your senator, the briefings and with current events will be rewarded with more sophisticated debate and legislation during the conference.
Over the course of the conference weekend, you will develop greater familiarity with the workings of American government while learning to take risks and share ideas in committee meetings, speak in front of an audience in full session, and consistently exercise your critical thinking skills. At the same time, you will develop an appreciation for your fellow delegates. Harvard Model Congress provides you with a wonderful occasion to meet intelligent and passionate students, like yourself, from across the country, and I hope you take advantage of the chance to exchange ideas, stories, and experiences. As you mull over legislation and forge new friendships, you will be able to explore Boston, the historic city that gave way to the American Revolution and the abolition of slavery.
If you would like to introduce yourself or ask any questions before the conference, please do not hesitate to contact me! I will tell you a little about myself first: I am a junior from a small suburb of New York City concentrating in Sociology. At Harvard, my passion for the environment manifests itself through my participation in the Resource Efficiency Program and Harvard’s Council on Business and the Environment. I am also involved in Harvard Model Congress Europe. In my free time, I play cello, watch good TV and bad movies, and hang out with my friends.
I am very much looking forward to meeting all of you and enjoying a fantastic Harvard Model Congress 2012!
Best,