Overview of HMC Programs

> Guide to Congress 2012

HMCSF staff and delegates are organized into three programs: the House of Representatives, the Senate, and Special Programs.  At HMCSF, the Director of Programs organizes delegates and staff from across three programs.  The House, Senate, and Special Programs are each comprised of three committees.  During the conference, congressional delegates participate in four committee sessions in which they will discuss, amend, and vote on legislation during informal caucuses and more formal debate.  Committee sessions allow students to experience both the thrill and occasional disappointment of creating laws.  Two Harvard undergraduates, a Chair and a Vice Chair, lead each committee.  Bills that pass in an individual committee are discussed in Full Session.  During Full House Session and the Full Senate Session, the two chambers must collectively pass bills from their respective dockets in order for the bills to reach the president’s desk for his signature or veto.

While delegates in the Senate and House have a direct hand in drafting legislation and moving it to the president’s desk, delegates participating in one of HMC’s many Special Programs play an equally important role in the governing process.  Delegates in our Special Programs committees play a number of roles, whether it is passing down legal judgments as a member of the Supreme Court, briefing the president on how to approach global terrorism as an advisor on the National Security Council, determining White House policy as a secretary in the Presidential Cabinet, or uncovering hidden congressional news as a member of the Press Corps.  Delegates in Special Program committees will have a wide variety of avenues to affect change in the legislative process and will learn how to balance their own prerogatives with the legislative agenda.  Together, the congressional and Special Programs committees provide a comprehensive and engaging simulation of the function and processes of American government.

Delegates must also anticipate the long-term implications of their legislation and actions.  Through the implementation of “Conference Time,” each passing day will signify a time lapse of three months.  In this way, the conference will simulate the passage of a whole year over the course of the weekend.  With the help of HMC Media, delegates will have to follow the development of events throughout the year that passes during “Conference Time.”  By consulting printed pamphlets and the HMC Media blog, delegates will stay apprised of the events and votes taking place in other committees.  We are very excited to continue this aspect of the program and hope that you will join us in celebrating this latest step in HMC innovation.

The information included on this page is merely an introduction.  Please use the committee webpages to better acquaint yourself with the twelve HMC committees offered at this year’s conference.  Each of the committee pages includes links to important briefing materials that will be crucial to your pre-conference preparation.  Please also take the time to read the Guide to Congress 2012 or the guide for your committee.  The more preparation you put into your role, the more engaging and interesting you will find the conference.  So, good luck with your preparations, and please do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions or concerns.

We cannot wait to host you in January!