mw orv se wc 11 agenda final - JSA
Transcription
mw orv se wc 11 agenda final - JSA
February 18–20, 2011 Arlington, Virginia Doubletree Crystal City THE JUNIOR STATE OF AMERICA PRESENTS… THE M IDWEST – S OUTHEAST – O HIO R IVER V ALLEY W INTER C ONGRESS - 2011 Tony Castagnoli, Midwest State Governor Jared Odessky, Southeast Territory Governor Raja Gupta, Ohio River Valley State Governor Rachel Zupan, Convention Coordinator Alex Lange, Bill Director Harish Sriram, Director of Logistics Lauren Schenone, Chief of Staff 1 LETTERS FROM YOUR LEADERS Dear Delegates, Welcome to the most exciting convention of the JSA school year! I am so thrilled you’re all a part of Winter Congress 2011. We’re so fortunate to be with such a wide variety of students from many different geographic areas in the country. But even more so, to be with such a wide variety of students in our nation’s capitol! The political atmosphere of Washington D.C. is contagious, and seeing as we are a group of intelligent high school students in the Junior State of America, our passion for civic engagement will be fully exposed while gathered together in this wonderful city! This convention is truly unique from any other. Here at Winter Congress, we are America’s policy makers. It’s quite a responsibility; only through our intense debating will democracy be exercised, and the majority will need to decide in which direction our nation ought to head down when passing and failing bills. This process is long, but very exciting if you choose to become active in the dialogue. So remember to get your voice heard; give speeches and ask plenty of questions! For those of you who have never been to Winter Congress before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! And for those of us who are familiar with this convention, be prepared to experience the best one yet! As we say in JSA, “Be The People.” Tony Castagnoli Governor Midwest State Dear Junior Statesmen, The Southeast Territory is delighted to once again be joining the Midwest and Ohio River Valley Junior States as we engage in a weekend of exciting debate, activism, and spirited fun in the heart of our nation's capitol. For me, Winter Congress is the best convention of the year, representing what JSA truly is. Every second of this weekend, you are engaging in active citizenship. You wrote the bills, and you have the power to make bills into laws. You make your voice heard at every step of the way. I urge you to get involved during this convention in as many ways as possible. Ask a question during the Keynote Speaker, speak with the diverse organizations we have represented here at the Political Fair, question the bills you oppose, but most importantly, always question yourself. We learn through JSA that complacency is never the right path. Open your mind, and take the time to learn from others around you. The weekend that lies ahead presents a unique opportunity to turn your opinions into reality, so make your voice heard, and watch democracy unfold before your own eyes. Have a wonderful convention! Jared Odessky Southeast Territory Governor Dear JSAers! Welcome to the 2011 Winter Congress Convention! I would like to thank all of you for coming and especially to those who worked countless hours to make this convention possible. When I am asked about what JSA is, it is very hard for me to give a one sentence response like I can say about other high school clubs. This is because JSA means something different to everyone. I will not tell you what JSA means to me or how it affected my life because this is what all of you will discover this weekend for yourselves. JSA is unlike any other high school club because it engages and empowers every one of you. Today our economy and political system are being questioned and it is up to our generation to address and fix this. This weekend you will meet people from different schools with different perspectives on issues you have never seen before. I ask of all of you to interact, speak, and most of all, remain open minded. This year is a very critical year for JSA, as it is a critical year for our nation. We are the people who will soon have to make these decisions. We are the beginning of a new era. 2 This convention will be what you make of it. Each chapter is different and each individual is different so reach out and meet new people. Be passionate yet open minded. Be confident yet tolerant. Be informed and be engaged. And in the process of doing so, find what JSA means to you. Raja Gupta, Troy High School Ohio River Valley Junior State Governor My Beloved JSA Members, I hope you are all as pleased as I am to say “welcome to Winter Congress 2011!” I regret to say that this is my last Winter Congress along with my fellow seniors; however, for some of you, this is your first experience in our nation’s capitol at an event unlike any other. My first Winter Congress was the event that sealed my love for this organization. When I entered my first Winter Congress in February of 2008, I was a fairly closed minded individual; however, after seeing all of the bills students wrote, the passion with which they supported their legislation, the open mindedness they displayed, and respect they showed each other, I realized that JSA was not just a debate club meant for me to hear arguments that would solidify my own ideology. It is an educational experience that teaches students not only how to defend their opinions, but how to respect opinions that are completely contrary to their own. JSA has opened my mind to so many different ideas that my opinions are nothing like they were when I began my journey through this wonderful organization. I have met my best friends here and I hope to have them for the rest of my life. I have fostered opinions that have guided me on the career path I plan to pursue after graduation. I have learned things that have changed my fundamental outlook on a scope of issues. As cliché as it might sound, JSA has truly changed my life. I hope that each and every one of you find the things that I have found at this convention and every convention to come. Have fun, speak your mind, but I beg of you – keep an open mind without letting your brain fall out. Once I realized the importance of an open mind while looking skeptically at opinions that challenged my own, I began to truly learn from those around me. For me, that began at JSA. Have a fantastic and enjoyable weekend! Rachel Zupan Convention Coordinator, Ohio River Valley State At a certain point in life you begin to reflect upon what is truly meaningful, and what truly provide oneself with both gratification and the ability to grow and learn. Being in my senior year I have been thinking this way more often than usual. Throughout my many ups and downs in high school the one thing that has been there for me, for better or for worse is JSA. Now this is not to say that JSA has always been a positive experience for me. Everyone is so willing to participate, that sometimes people can be almost too willing to share their opinions. However, as Thomas Jefferson once said “An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.” What is truly valuable is that which provides us something with which we cannot be without. JSA is an organization which does this to an extent no other can, we are student led and student run. What we discuss, create, and participate in is purely our own. Being that, it has significant value – value that other organizations simply do not match. To those who are considering running for office, and those who wish to participate in the organizational and leadership aspects of JSA, I would say that if you are truly willing to put the necessary work and dedication into this organization then it allows for the best possible fulfillment. Alexander Lange Bill Director and ORV Lt. Governor 3 CONVENTION RULES 1. All rules for school field trips prevail. Use of illegal drugs or alcohol is not permitted. Students also will be punished if they are in a room where drugs or alcohol are present. The use of tobacco products is not allowed. To ensure these rules are obeyed, the Teacher-Advisor and The Junior Statesmen Foundation must approve the attendance of each delegate. Punishments may include dismissal from the Convention. 2. At 7:30 p.m. students will meet their Teacher-Advisor for roll call and may not leave the hotel thereafter. At curfew, Teacher-Advisors will check delegates at their rooms. Pizza deliveries and room service are not permitted after curfew. Delegates are also required to meet with the TA at other designated times. 3. Delegates MUST attend all conference activities. 4. At no time may young men and women be in each others’ room. 5. Delegates may not leave the convention hotel without the permission of their TA. During mealtime, with their TA’s permission delegates may leave the hotel to eat in designated areas. Under no circumstances are delegates to leave the hotel after 7:30 p.m. 6. Delegates must wear their nametags above the waist in visible location at all times. 7. All students assigned to a room are responsible for any charges made to the room. All students assigned to a room are also responsible for the condition of the room. No outside phone calls can be made from student hotel rooms. Room service and other items may not be charged to a student’s room. No delegate may change rooms without the permission of The Junior Statesmen Foundation staff members at the event. The hotel staff will house four students in each room with two large double beds. 8. No student may drive a car to the convention or ride in a student driven car during the convention. 9. Visitors are not allowed in the convention hotel. Delegates are not allowed to associate with any visitor who is not an official guest of the Junior Statesmen program. 10. Students are expected to dress appropriately. Delegates should respect the right of other hotel guests and not do anything to damage the reputation of the Junior Statesmen program. Students must not open or throw anything out of a window. Students must stay off balconies. 11. Students should not bring expensive items to the convention. Valuable items must be stored in the hotel safe or with the bellman. The Junior State and The Junior Statesmen Foundation are not responsible for items stored in a luggage storage area. Use of radios or portable stereos is permitted only with headphones. 12. Delegates that voluntarily withdraw from the convention or are sent home for conduct problems will not receive refunds. 13. Delegates and their parents agree that The Junior State may use any photographs taken during the convention for promotional purposes. 4 M IDWEST – S OUTHEAST – O HIO R IVER V ALLEY W INTER C ONGRESS 2011 AGENDA-AT-A-GLANCE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Registration……………………...8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Crystal Ballroom Foyer Luggage Storage………………..8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lincoln Hall Ballroom Changing Rooms………….........8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ♦ Men Van Buren ♦ Women Wilson Logistics Agent Meeting……….11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Boardroom A Day in D.C……………………12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Capitol Hill Speakers Program….2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Rayburn House Office Building Gold Room Key Distribution & Dinner……...5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Opening Session……………..…..7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Crystal Ballroom Teacher Advisor Meeting...........9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Pentagon I Chapter President Meeting…….9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. ♦ Ohio River Valley ♦ Midwest ♦ Southeast Jackson Wilson Van Buren Party Caucus…………………….9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. ♦ Democratic Salon A, B, C ♦ Libertarian Commonwealth ♦ Republican Washington Ballroom ♦ Socialist Harrison Workshops………………………9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. ♦ Mandatory Chair & Clerk Meeting Madison ♦ Beginning Debaters Monroe Evening Activities………..........10:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. ♦ Mr. JSA (until 11:15) Crystal Ballroom ♦ Quiz Bowl (until 11:15) Washington Ballroom ♦ Helping Hands Charity Poker Commonwealth ♦ Dance Lincoln Hall Ballroom Curfew………………………………………..12:15 a.m. Your Room SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Committee Hearings I………….8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ♦ House A: Salon A ♦ Senate A: Pentagon 1 ♦ House B: Salon B ♦ Senate B: Pentagon 2 ♦ House C: Salon C ♦ Senate C: Jackson ♦ House D: Van Buren ♦ Senate D: Salon D ♦ House E: Commonwealth ♦ Senate E: Salon E ♦ House F: Wilson ♦ Senate F: Monroe ♦ House G: Harrison ♦ Senate G: Madison Teacher Advisor Reception……….10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Washington Ballroom Lunch……………………………12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Guide at the back of the agenda Committee Hearings II……………..1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m. Your Committee Political Fair……………………...2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lincoln Ballroom ♦ House & Senate Committees A – B 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ♦ House & Senate Committees C – E 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ♦ House & Senate Committees F – G 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ♦ Summer School Interviews Washington Ballroom Committee Hearings III………………4:15 – 6:15 p.m. Your Committee Teacher Advisor Meeting……….4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Van Buren Dinner…………………………….6:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Restaurant Guide in the back of the agenda Chapter Caucus………………….8:20 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Crystal Ballroom Evening Activities………………9:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. ♦ Quidditch (until 10:15) Crystal Ballroom ♦ Social Networking Washington Ballroom ♦ Dance Lincoln Hall Ballroom ♦ Moonlight Monument Tour Meet in Crystal Ballroom at 9 Curfew………………………………………..12:15 a.m. Your Room 5 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Luggage Storage…………………7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Lincoln Hall Ballroom Summer School Fundraising 101...8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Washington Ballroom Full Congress……………………9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ♦ Full House Committee I (A – C) Crystal Ballroom ♦ Full House Committee II (D – G) Lincoln Hall Ballroom ♦ Full Senate Committee I (A – C) Washington Ballroom ♦ Full Senate Committee II (D – G) Commonwealth Candidate Declarations………...12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ♦ Ohio River Valley Crystal Ballroom ♦ Midwest Washington Ballroom ♦ Southeast Lincoln Hall Ballroom Closing Session…………………..1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Crystal Ballroom Changing Rooms………………...2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ♦ Men Van Buren ♦ Women Wilson HOTEL MAP 6 M IDWEST – S OUTHEAST – O HIO R IVER V ALLEY — WINTER CONGRESS 2011— AGENDA FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Registration Crystal Ballroom Foyer 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Luggage Storage Lincoln Hall Ballroom Welcome to the Ohio River Valley – Midwest – Southeast Winter Congress 2011! Teacher Advisors and Chapter Presidents must check in at the JSA Registration Desk, located in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer, to collect agendas, nametags, and other paperwork before you embark on your adventures in D.C. The luggage storage rooms will be locked at 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. when you get your room keys, so make sure you have everything out of your luggage that you will need for the day! 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Changing Rooms ♦Men Van Buren ♦Women Wilson 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Logistics Agent Meeting Boardroom This is a MANDATORY meeting for all Logistics agents! We will hunt you down if you are not there at 11 a.m.! 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: A Day in D.C. Washington, D.C. Spend a day in our nation’s capitol with your chapter! Buses will be available to drop off and pick up students at Capitol Hill. You can also take the metro. Be sure to stay together with a chaperon. Have fun! 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Capitol Hill Speakers Program Rayburn House Office Building Gold Room This is open only to chapters that registered for it ahead of time. You will be meeting with your Teacher Advisor prior to departure. A separate guide has been distributed to chapters attending this program. 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.: Key Distribution & Dinner You finally have access to your room! The luggage storage room is open for you to pick up your belongings. Make sure you have eaten dinner by the time Opening Session begins! 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Opening Session Crystal Ballroom Be there to watch Winter Congress 2011 officially begin! You will hear from your JSA elected officials, Party System leaders, and cabinet members, including: Tony Castagnoli, Midwest Governor; Raja Gupta, Ohio River Valley Governor; Jared Odessky, Southeast Governor; Rachel Zupan, Convention Coordinator; Alex Lange, Bill Director; and Program Directors Jeff Dunn and Lindsey Bowen. We also have a keynote speaker visiting us! The Honorable Rosie Rios, Treasurer of the United States Ms. Rios is the current treasurer of the United States. The U.S. Treasurer advises the Secretary of the Treasury on matters relating to coinage, currency and the production of other instruments by the United States. In addition, the Treasurer serves as a senior advisor and representative of the Treasury on behalf of the Secretary in the areas of community development and public engagement. Her signature appears at the bottomleft of paper currency printed during her tenure as treasurer. Career Highlights Rosie Rios was sworn in as Treasurer of the United States on August 20th, 2009. Before being appointed treasurer, Ms. Rios worked at MacFarlane Partners as Managing Director of Investments and was an instrumental member of the Obama administration’s Treasury-Federal Reserve transition team. • Ms. Rios was also a Principal for Red River Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in providing development services to municipalities. • Prior to her time at Red River Associates, Ms. Rios served as the Director of the Redevelopment and Economic Development for the City of Oakland, CA and as Director of Economic Development for the City of Fremont, California. • o 7 Key Issues Community Development Anti- Counterfeiting The Community development arm of the US Treasury, called the Community Development Financial Institutions fund, or CDFI fund, awards money and tax credits to community-based organizations that work in low-income urban and rural communities across America. These organizations, known as CDFIs, all have a common mission of working toward revitalizing economically depressed communities or communities underserved by mainstream financial institutions and improving the quality of life of those that live and work in these communities. In the past couple of decades, Advanced copying technologies have helped raise the incidence of counterfeiting. Ink jet printers, color copiers, and scanners are just a few tools criminals use to create bogus notes. In keeping with the strategy of maintaining the security of currency by enhancing the designs every 7 - 10 years, a new series of U.S. currency is being issued, beginning with the $20 note which entered circulation on October 9, 2003, followed by the $50 note which was issued on September 28, 2004. The redesigned $10 note entered circulation on March 2, 2006. The redesigned $5 note entered circulation on March 13, 2008. The $100 note is also slated to be redesigned, but a timetable for its introduction is not yet set. Possible Questions 1. How does thevalue of US compared to other countries’ currencies will affect the recovery from the recession? 2. How has your experience working in community development firms in both the private and public sector helped you in your duties as treasurer? 3. How does the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund will impact the recovery from the recession? 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Teacher Advisor Meeting Pentagon 1 TAs should all attend this meeting. You will be discussing how the convention will run and the role you will play throughout the weekend. 9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.: Chapter President Meeting ♦Ohio River Valley ♦Midwest ♦Southeast Jackson Wilson Van Buren This is MANDATORY for all Chapter Presidents! Attendance will be taken and we WILL find you! 9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.: Party Caucus ♦ Democratic ♦ Libertarian ♦ Republican ♦ Socialist Salon A, B, C Commonwealth Washington Ballroom Harrison Show some support for your political party! Party paraphernalia and information will be handed out at these planning sessions. Your party leaders will inform you of their stances on issues and help you to get involved with their party this Winter Congress. No political party affiliation? No problem! Go learn about a party that you do not know much about or are interested in learning more about. 9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.: Workshops ♦ Mandatory Chair & Clerk Meeting ♦ Beginning Debaters Madison Monroe The Chair and Clerk meeting is mandatory for all Chairs and Clerk. The beginning debaters meeting is not mandatory, but it is recommended for students who are not familiar with JSA debate or want to improve their skills. 10:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Evening Activities ♦ Mr. JSA (until 11:15) Crystal Ballroom Mr. JSA is a beauty contest & talent show featuring the finest bachelors from the ORV, MW, and SET. Who will be crowned Mr. JSA? ♦ Quiz Bowl (until 11:15) ♦ Helping Hands Charity Poker Washington Ballroom Come try your hand at a game of poker! Proceeds will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Commonwealth ♦ Dance Lincoln Hall Ballroom Come get your groove on at our rave themed dance! 12:15 a.m.: Curfew Your Room After a long day in Washington and tough evening of partying, it is now time for you to sleep. Make sure you get ample rest – tomorrow will be a rigorous day of passionate debating! 8 SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Committee Hearings I Time to debate your bills! You can find your committee assignment starting on page 20. See below for your room: ♦ House A: Salon A ♦ Senate A: Pentagon 1 ♦ House B: Salon B ♦ Senate B: Pentagon 2 ♦ House C: Salon C ♦ Senate C: Jackson ♦ House D: Van Buren ♦ Senate D: Salon D ♦ House E: Commonwealth ♦ Senate E: Salon E ♦ House F: Wilson ♦ Senate F: Monroe ♦ House G: Harrison ♦ Senate G: Madison 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Teacher Advisor Reception Meet with Program Directors Jeff Dunn and Lindsey Bowen! Washington Ballroom 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Lunch Finally time to eat! Make sure to get your food during this time, as you will need your energy for the rest of the debates. There is a restaurant guide on the last page of the agenda. 1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Committee Hearings II Get back to your committees now! Run! 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Political Fair Your Committee Lincoln Hall Ballroom The Political Fair is a great opportunity for you to learn about various organizations that aim at certain political goals. We have a wide variety of booths this year, so there is something for everyone! Please see pages 11 & 12 for a list of our guests and information about their organization. We will also be having a small College Fair within the Political Fair featuring schools in the D.C. area. ♦ House & Senate Committees A – B 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ♦ House & Senate Committees C – E 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ♦ House & Senate Committees F – G 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ♦ Summer School Interviews Washington Ballroom Meet with JSA Program Directors during your time at the Political Fair in the Lincoln Hall Ballroom if you are interested in attending a JSA Summer School. You will be interviewed and learn of your acceptance on the spot. Be sure to bring a copy of your transcripts, teacher recommendation letters, and a writing sample. 4:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.: Committee Hearings III Back to your committees! This is the last round of debates! Speak during this session if you have yet to do so! 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Teacher Advisor Meeting Your Committee Van Buren Meet with Program Directors Jeff Dunn and Lindsey Bowen to discuss evening activities! 6:15 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.: Dinner After a long day of debating, I am sure you are famished. Please see the restaurant guide on the last page of your agenda. Remember – Chapter Caucus is at 8:30 p.m. sharp. Do not be late! 8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Chapter Caucus Crystal Ballroom Meet up with your chapter and Teacher Advisor. Advisors will be taking attendance. This is MANDATORY (and fun, you do not want to skip)! If you’re going on the Moonlight Monument Tour, please come to the Chapter Caucus ready to go. Don’t forget your coats! 9:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Evening Activities ♦ Moonlight Monument Tour Crystal Ballroom ♦ Quidditch (until 10:15) Crystal Ballroom If you are going on the Moonlight Monument Tour, you need to meet outside of the Crystal Ballroom at 9 p.m. sharp for departure. Let your inner-Harry-Potter-loving-self come out in this fun game of (no-contact) Quidditch! If you do not know how to play, do not worry – we will teach you when you get here. It is tons of fun! ♦ Social Networking (until 10:15) Washington Ballroom ♦ Dance Lincoln Hall Ballroom Come make new friends at JSA! Time to shake it at our black out themed dance! 12:15 a.m.: Curfew Your Roo 9 SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Luggage Storage Lincoln Hall Ballroom 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Summer School Fundraising Workshop Washington Ballroom Make sure you get everything you need for the day, as the luggage storage rooms will be locked until 2:45 p.m.! Please return your room keys to your Teacher Advisor when your store your luggage. Make sure you get something to eat before you go to your committee assignments! Meet with Program Director Jeff Dunn to learn more about fundraising for Summer School. This is for students who plan on or are interested in attending a JSA Summer School. 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Full Congress Meet with your expanded committees today to debate the bills that passed in both your House and Senate committees yesterday. You will receive a docket of these bills in the morning. Make sure you speak up and ask the speakers questions! ♦ Full House Committee I (A – C) ♦ Full House Committee II (D – G) ♦ Full Senate Committee I (A – C) ♦ Full Senate Committee II (D – G) Crystal Ballroom Lincoln Hall Ballroom Washington Ballroom Commonwealth 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Candidate Declarations Meet with your respective JSA state delegations to hear a speech from your governor. Candidates will be making their declaration speeches, so you should either be making one of those speeches or listening to them! ♦ Ohio River Valley ♦ Midwest ♦ Southeast Crystal Ballroom Washington Ballroom Lincoln Hall Ballroom 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Closing Session Crystal Ballroom Thank you for attending the Ohio River Valley – Midwest – Southeast Winter Congress 2011! At closing session, you will hear which bills passed, which political parties succeeded in passing and failing bills, the best speakers from each committee, and final speeches from your leaders. Make sure you are on time! 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Changing Rooms If you need to change before you get into your car or bus, you can do so now in designated rooms below. ♦ Men Van Buren ♦ Women Wilson Again, we thank you for attending the Midwest – Southeast – Ohio River Valley Winter Congress 2011! We hope you had a great time! Spring State is coming up in each of your states, so we hope to see you there! The dates and locations are listed below. See you then! — SPRING STATE 2011— ♦ Ohio River Valley: April 30 – May 1 Hyatt on Capitol Square Columbus, Ohio ♦ Midwest: April 2 – 3 Double Tree Chicago–Oakbrook Oakbrook, Illinois ♦ Southeast: April 16 – 17 Orlando Marriott Lake Mary Orlando, Florida 10 —WINTER CONGRESS 2011— THE POLITICAL FAIR WASHINGTON BALLROOM SATURDAY FROM 2:00 P.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M. POLITICAL FAIR PARTICIPANTS Accuracy in Media Accuracy In Media is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. Their mission is to promote accuracy, fairness and balance in news reporting. AIM exposes politically motivated media bias; teaches consumers to think critically about their news sources; and holds the mainstream press accountable for its misreporting. American Humanist Association The American Humanist Association strives to bring about a progressive society where being good without gods is an accepted way to live life. AHA is accomplishing this through our defense of civil liberties and secular governance, by outreach to the growing number of people without traditional religious faith, and through a continued refinement and advancement of the humanist worldview. City Year Washington, DC City Year Washington, DC unites young people, ages 17 to 24, from all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors, and role models, these young leaders make a difference in the lives of children and transform schools and neighborhoods across DC. Compassion Over Killing COK is a nonprofit animal advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Working to end animal abuse since 1995, COK focuses on cruelty to animals in agriculture and promotes vegetarian eating as a way to build a kinder world for all of us, both human and nonhuman. National Youth Rights Association The National Youth Rights Association (NYRA) defends the civil and human rights of young people in the United States through educating people about youth rights, empowering young people to work on their own behalf in defense of their rights, and taking positive steps to lessen the burden of ageism. NYRA believes certain basic rights are intrinsic parts of American citizenship and transcend age or status limits. National Rifle Association While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the NRA has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world. Peta2 Peta2 is the largest youth animal rights group in the world. Peta2 takes on anyone who abuses animals, from schools that do not allow the choice to dissect to fashion designers who won’t drop fur to fast food giants that refuse to treat their animals right. Secular Student Alliance The Secular Student Alliance is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit. We work to organize and empower nonreligious students around the country. Our primary goal is to foster successful grassroots campus groups which provide a welcoming community for secular students to discuss their views and promote their secular values. Though our office is based in Columbus, Ohio and our affiliated campus groups are predominantly in the United States, we do support affiliates around the world. Socialist Party The Socialist Party strives to establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control – a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community. Socialism is not mere government ownership, a welfare state, or a repressive bureaucracy. Socialism is a new social and economic order in which workers and consumers control production and community residents control their neighborhoods, homes, and schools. Sunlight Foundation The Sunlight Foundation is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that uses the power of the Internet to catalyze greater government openness and transparency, and provides new tools and resources for media and citizens, alike. We are committed to improving access to government information by making it available online, indeed redefining “public” information as meaning “online,” and by creating new tools and websites to enable individuals to better access that information. 11 Secular Coalition for America The Secular Coalition for America is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization whose purpose is to amplify the diverse and growing voice of the nontheistic community in the United States. We are located in Washington, D.C. for ready access to government, activist partners and the media. Our staff lobbies U.S. Congress on issues of special concern to our constituency. Marijuana Project Marijuana prohibition has failed. It's time for a new approach, and MPP is leading the way. Since our founding in 1995, we've been making real progress in reforming U.S. marijuana laws, by: lobbying for legislation and running ballot initiative campaigns to allow seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana with their doctors’ recommendations; lobbying for legislation and sponsoring ballot initiatives to replace marijuana prohibition with a sensible system of regulation; garnering widespread media coverage of the need to change marijuana policies; lobbying Congress to reduce the White House drug czar’s budget for his deceptive ad campaigns; and much more. COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS Howard University – Washington, DC To study at Howard University is choosing an institution that is experienced, dynamic, and diverse – with a tradition of quality education since 1867 provided by the constant engagement of its faculty toward the students and their needs, and by its rich campus social and cultural life. With such a diverse student body, it comes as little surprise that life thrives on the Howard University Campus. Whatever your particular interest – culture, religion, sports, art, music, theater, politics – you will be assured of linking up with others who share it. George Washington University – Washington, DC The George Washington University was created in 1821 through an Act of the Congress, fulfilling George Washington’s vision of an institution in the nation’s capital dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. We have more than 20,000 students—from all 50 states, the District and more than 130 countries—studying a rich range of disciplines: from forensic science and creative writing to international affairs and computer engineering, as well as medicine, public health, the law and public policy. Oberlin College – Oberlin, Ohio Oberlin is a four-year, highly selective liberal arts college and conservatory of music. Founded in 1833 by a Presbyterian minister and a missionary, it holds a distinguished place among American colleges and universities. It was the first college to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a coeducational environment and was a leader in the education of African Americans. Oberlin is known for its academic and musical excellence and its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and diversity. *Please Note: During the political Fair, there will be a meeting in the Lincoln Hall Ballroom for anyone interested in attending a 2011 Summer School. You will be interviewed and notified of your acceptance to the Summer School of your choice on the spot. You may go during your designated time to attend the Political Fair. 12 THE JUNIOR STATESMEN FOUNDATION — SUMMER SCHOOL 2011— WHAT IS JSA SUMMER SCHOOL? The JSA Summer School offers a challenging, dynamic academic experience for students who have a passion for making a difference. For over 75 years, non-partisan Junior Statesmen programs have provided an unparalleled training ground for the students who will be the civic leaders of their generation. JSA Summer Programs prepare students to tackle the challenges facing their communities, our nation and the world. For three to four weeks, you will attend a class of your choice at one of the three most prestigious universities in the world. You will participate in debate workshops, write a final paper, meet with key American lawmakers, and make lifelong friendships. HOW DO I APPLY? 1. Go to www.jsa.org. 2. Hoover your mouse over the “Summer Programs” tab and select “JSA Summer School.” 3. Select “Program and Application Details” on the side. Follow the directions listed there. DATES, LOCATIONS, & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY Session I: June 19 – July 10 $4,500 Session II: July 17 – August 7 (Media and Politics will also be offered during this session) Classes: AP U.S. Government, International Relations, Constitutional Law, Speech and Political Communication PRINCETON UNIVERSITY July 10 – July 31 $4,500 Classes: AP U.S. Government, AP Macroeconomics, War & Diplomacy, Speech and Political Communication, International Relations, Constitutional Law, AP U.S. History *AP United States History starts July 3. STANFORD UNIVERSITY June 26 – July 17 $4,500 Classes: AP U.S. Government, Speech and Political Communication, AP Macroeconomics, International Relations, Constitutional Law JSA DIPLOMAT PROGRAM AT CAPITAL NORMAL UNIVERSITY – BEIJING, CHINA June 29 – July 24 Classes: Chinese History and Government, Introductory Chinese $5,000 Interested? Get started here at Winter Congress! On Saturday, Program Director Jeff Dunn will be interviewing Summer School applicants during the Political Fair in the Lincoln Hall Ballroom. Take your transcripts, teacher recommendation letters, and a writing sample to your interview and you will be notified of your acceptance on the spot! Don’t know how to pay for it? No problem! On Sunday at 8:00 a.m., meet with Program Director Jeff Dunn in the Washington Ballroom for a Summer School Fundraising Workshop. Food will be provided! 13 THE PATH OF LEGISLATION HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW Below is a description of the legislative process that is used at JSA Congress. The legislative path for this weekend-long convention is a modified version of the actual procedures of the United States Congress. 1. Legislation is sponsored jointly by a Senator and a Representative. Each bill will be assigned to committees in advance of the convention. The Legislative Index, which is included in this agenda booklet, contains all the legislation and committee assignments. 2. In the committees, the bill will be debated in the order prescribed in the Legislative Index (the House in descending order starting from 1 and the Senate in ascending order starting from 5). The sponsors of the bill will be the proponents or opening speakers on the bill. During debate, the committee may propose and pass amendments to the bill. 3. If a bill is amended in a House committee, the page will bring the bill to the corresponding Senate committee. The committee chair will announce that the bill has been amended and start debate on the amended bill. The Senate committee cannot pass the bill without the amendment unless they re-amend the bill. In this case the committee page will bring that amendment back to the House, which will decide whether to accept the amendment or fail the bill completely. In the case of a Senate committee amending a bill, the opposite will occur. 4. After debating the bill, the committee will vote on the bill. If both the House and Senate committees pass the same version of the bill, it goes on to the Full House and Senate. 5. One or both houses may decide to amend a bill as it is debated in full session using the same process will take place as in committee. A page will bring the amendment to the opposite body and it will be included as part of the bill when it comes up for debate. 6. If both full legislative bodies pass identical versions of the bill, the bill will be considered law. COMMITTEE HEARINGS PROCEDURES All student delegates will be assigned to committees prior to the convention. The committees will: 1. 2. 3. Determine the final wording of the bills, by passing them as submitted or amending them. Send legislation to the floor of the House and Senate. Choose one committee member to be the main opponent of the bill on the floor of the House and Senate Sponsors will present their legislation to the committee by outlining the reasons why your legislation is needed, the rationale behind and restrictions or limitations in your legislation, and the definition of any terms that may be unclear. You have five minutes for your formal presentation. The opening statement by the sponsor will then be followed by an opening statement of 5 minutes by the main opponent speaker selected by the committee and then 3 minute subsequent speeches on both sides. A simple majority of votes will be required to pass legislation out of committee, unless the legislation is a constitutional amendment, in which case it will require a 2/3 majority. HOUSE AND SENATE SESSIONS PROCEDURES The House and Senate sessions will be presided over by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, respectively. Before the general sessions begin, the Rules Committee will determine the order in which the bills will be debated, and establish any modifications in the debate procedures for floor debate. The Rules Committee is composed of the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and other student leaders of the House and Senate Committees. Debate procedure is as follows: 1. The Presiding Officer will read or distribute the bill as approved by committee. 2. Debate begins with an opening speech from the sponsor of the bill, followed by a speech from the main opponent of the bill (as selected by committee). If the main speakers do not use all of their time, they may yield their time to questions or to the chair. 3. After the main speeches are over, the Presiding Officer will ask for subsequent speeches from other members of the house. These speeches will alternate between the affirmative and negative. Subsequent speakers, if they have not used their full time, may yield their remaining time to questions, another speaker on the same side, or to the chair. 4. Subsequent speeches will continue until a motion to the previous question is brought to the floor and passed by a 2/3 vote. At that time, the main opponent makes a closing speech and finally, the sponsor will make a closing speech. 5. Immediately after the closing speeches, the house will vote on the legislation. A majority is required to pass bills and resolutions. A 2/3rds majority is required to pass Constitutional Amendments. 14 COMMITTEE HEARING DEBATE FORMAT TRADITIONAL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Affirmative Main Speaker Opening- 6 minutes Negative Main Speaker Opening- 6 minutes Affirmative Subsequent Speaker- 3 minutes Negative Subsequent Speaker- 3 minutes Repeat steps 3 and 4 two or more times, as time allows. Negative Main Speaker Closing- 3 minutes Affirmative Main Speaker Closing- 3 minutes Committees have the option to move to a Speed Chess format before each debate. The Chair will recognize the motion “I move that bill (insert debate #) be debated with Speed Chess.” The Speed Chess format will only apply to subsequent speeches; the main speakers for opening and closing speeches will follow the traditional format. Also, Speed Chess will only be in effect of that debate unless a motion is made before the next bill is presented. Below is an explanation for the Speed Chess format. The Speed Chess format will not be in effect for debates on amendments. Please ask your Chair if you have any questions. SPEED CHESS This style of debate is designed to allow more interaction between speakers, as speakers are able to respond directly to each other’s arguments. Each speaker has a gavel. The affirmative speaker starts and may use as much time as he wishes. When he is done, he hits the table with his gavel, his time stops, and immediately his opponent's time starts. When the negative speaker is finished speaking, he hits his gavel onto the table, and it is once again the affirmative speaker’s turn. This continues until each speaker runs out of time. The Speed Chess debate format is meant to be lightning fast and interactive, forcing speakers to know their facts and be quick on their feet. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Affirmative main speaker opening without speed chess format- 6 minutes Negative main speaker opening without speed chess format- 6 minutes The affirmative and negative subsequent speakers both go to the debate floor. They are allotted 3 minutes each, and follow the speed chess format, starting with the affirmative. The affirmative subsequent begins speaking. Whenever he wishes, he can hit his gavel onto the table to stop his time and start the time of the negative speaker. 6. The speakers may gavel back and forth until each speaker has used his 3 minute allotment. 7. At any time, the speaker may yield the remainder of his time to questions. 8. Subsequent speaker sets continue until the debate must move to closing speeches. 9. The floor is returned to the main speakers. Each is allotted with a new 3 minutes for closing remarks during which the gavel may not be used. 10. Negative closing – 3 minutes 11. Affirmative closing – 3 minutes 15 2011 LEGISLATIVE INDEX – COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND CLERKS – – COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS – Organized alphabetically by school – 2011 BILL DOCKET – Bill titles only – 2011 BILL INDEX – Full bill text – TABLE OF PARLIAMENTARY MOTIONS – Description of parliamentary motions that can be made in a committee hearing – PARTY PLATFORMS – In the spirit of JSA’s non-partisanship, political platforms can be found in alphabetical order 16 HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND CLERKS House A Chair: Nesh Patel, Neuqua Valley Clerk: Inga Wells, Western Reserve Academy Senate A Chair: Jordan Dicken, Greenfield-Central Clerk: Kai Su, Naples House B Chair: Shannon Williams, Union Local Clerk: Kunal Thakkar, C. Leon King Senate B Chair: Vikram Ramesh, Neuqua Valley Clerk: Tiantian Zhang, Dublin Coffman House C Chair: Frank Zhao, Naperville Central Clerk: Braden Smith, C. Leon King Senate C Chair: Sarah Bonnewell, Mooresville Clerk: Monica Mehta, Western Reserve Academy House D Chair: Kat Emunds, Coral Springs Christian Clerk: Cassie Seneff, Union Local Senate D Chair: Chelsea Tanksley, Bexley Clerk: Bethanie Brown, Union Local House E Chair: Billy Gregg, Lake Forest Clerk: Kirtana Ramadugu, Avon Senate E Chair: Heidi Gentis, Miamisburg Clerk: Connor Spielmaker, Naples House F Chair: Molly Whitley, Mooresville Clerk: Iain Warrell-King, Fairfield Senate F Chair: Amerigo Caffo, C. Leon King Clerk: Justine Cardenas, C. Leon King House G Chair: Rachel Brann, Naperville Central Clerk: Subomi Bankole, Naperville North Senate G Chair: Nicole Tarr, Lynchburg-Clay Clerk: Andrew Roche, The Benjamin School FULL HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND CLERKS House I Chair: Rachel Zupan, Ashland Clerk: Adrienne Harreveld, Dreyfoos Clerk: Harish Sriram, Lake Forest Senate I Chair: Richie Felty, New Knoxville Clerk: Lauren Schenone, C. Leon King Clerk: Shannon Williams, Union Local House II Chair: Raja Gupta, Troy Clerk: Jared Odessky, Nova Clerk: Jordan McEvoy, Arrowhead Senate II Chair: Aadi Tolappa, Illinois Math and Science Clerk: Lucy McColgan, Arrowhead Clerk: Nicole Tarr, Lynchburg-Clay 17 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Chapter Title First Last House Committee Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Academy At The Lakes Alex Dreyfoos School Alex Dreyfoos School Alex Dreyfoos School Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Avon Badin Badin Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Socialist Whip Rep. Libertarian Whip Rep. Sen. Sen. Democratic Whip Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Senator Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Republican Whip Clerk Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Tia AJ Cody Mary Stevie Akash Caitlin Katherine Hayley Colleen Chloe Monique Jason Anish Gabe Sophia Alex Nick Katerina Conor Christopher Adrienne Max Courtney Alex Jeff Patrick Shawn Katelynn Dana Paulette Victor Bryan David Heaven Emmett Lucy Jordan Alex Alec Ryanne Brian Angelo Paul Kylee Justin Amy Arun Daniel Bryan Emily Jake Lindsey Jason Eric Shaun Margaret Melanie Andrea Rebecca Marisa Jenna Kirtana Karen Rebekah Hillary Justin Jordan Nick Maya Arvaneh Carlson Diaz Faith Gordon Gupta Hollander Johnson Lock Lopez Mansell Montoute Pitcairn Reddy Rosenthal Sokolowski Thompson Valadez Weber Zhang Carl Harreveld Scheiber Collingwood Dabertin Ehrhardt Eisenhauer Goggins Hansen Holle Hubbard Huebner Jacobs Kelly Leonard Lotz Mccolgan McEvoy Morgan Mortenson Olsen Payne Porchetta Radke Radulovich Ramos Secosh Srinivasan Umhoefer Urban Weaver Weber Weber Wetzel Wucki Alexander Bender Boll Costin Mellino Mullner Proudfit Ramadugu Robertson Rose Schuler Trnavsky Van dyke Bolton Decresce-Carter Senate House House Senate Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate House House House House Senate House Senate Senate Senate E D G A A A B A B B C C B E F F C G C D House E House Senate Senate F D D Senate House Senate House House House House House House Senate Senate House House House House House House House Senate House Senate House Senate Senate House Senate House Senate House House Senate House Senate House E D F G D A G F B F G A E C E E D C C D E E A D B B E E B D E G A G House Senate Senate House House House House House E G G A A C E A Bill Sponsor 608F 408D 608F 408D 608F 508E 508E 508E 408D 508E 508E 701G 102A 701G 102A 504E 18 Chapter Title First Last House Committee Bill Sponsor Badin Badin Badin Badin Badin Badin Benedictine Benedictine Benedictine Benedictine Benedictine Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley C. Leon King C. Leon King C. Leon King C. Leon King Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Coral Springs Christian Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Crestline Culver Academies Culver Academies Culver Academies Danville Danville Danville Danville Danville Danville Danville Danville Danville Dobyns-Bennett Dobyns-Bennett Dobyns-Bennett Dobyns-Bennett Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Bill Director Sen. Sen. Rep. Chair Chair Clerk Raymond Michael Jeff Kristia Lawrence Zack Clint Collin Josh Jacob Josh T. Wesley William Alex Rachel Caitlin Jackie Chelsea Amerigo Justine Lauren Kunal Kari Mickayla Ariel Kyle Stephanie Austin Kevin Natalie Natalie Javi Brigitte Kathryn Aaliyah Jameson TJ Nigel Gina Taylor Kyan Jacqueline Ryan Marcus April Tyler Molly Jessica Daniel Samantha Sarah Anna Kelsey Michael Amanda Joseph Quinton Kirstyn Hannah Lauren Cecily Jonathan Grace Nathan Lindsey Russell Sam Fariha Joe William Bronwyn Ethan Max Dong Lakomy Levline Money Saey Sander Brodar Denbow Dingus Gedetsis Griffith Curran Farrar Lange Moore Peet Serpico Tanksley Caffo Cardenas Schenone Thakkar Barnhill Binion Boliek Boutin Calderia Cantrell Cardonne Davison Davison Delgado Desautels Edmunds Gray Kelliher Littlejohn Miller Muscillo Pizzi Reynolds Roig Scavuzzo Thilen Weidenbenner Willis Garberich Hager Looney Mathews Parr Salvati Shankle Spade Toy Vogt Wilhite Petras Schoolmeester Watts Allen Beto Caudill Johnson Lewis Meurer Nelson Siddiqui Weston Carrier Jackson Jones Maurin Senate Senate Senate House House Senate Senate House House House Senate Senate House A E B C G C D E D F E F C 104A 504E Clerk Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Chair Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Senate G Senate A House G Senate D Senate F Senate F Bill Room Coordinator House B House F House D House B Senate F Senate B Senate D Senate E House D House E House E House E House D House F House F Senate E Senate C House G House A House G House D Senate F House A Senate D House B House D House F Senate E House E Senate G House E Senate A Senate F House C House G House F Senate A House A House A House B House A House C Senate F House E House D House F House E Senate E House G House F Senate C Senate G 303C 609F 409D 509E 509E 409D 609F 503E 503E 603F 603F 107A 107A 104A 601F 501E 601F 501E 703G 703G 19 Chapter Title First Last House Committee Dobyns-Bennett Dobyns-Bennett Dobyns-Bennett Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Jerome Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Firelands Firelands Firelands Firelands Firelands Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin High School Franklin High School Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Greenfield Central Houghton Houghton Houghton Houghton Houghton Idea Academy Idea Academy Idea Academy Idea Academy Idea Academy Idea Academy IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Democratic Whip Clerk Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Clerk Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Chair Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Upal Gary Scott Tarik Sarah Holly Alli Leon Raghav Taylor Gabrielle Chris Kim Jimmy Timothy Wendy Ashwatha Josh Rohit Richard Emily Tiantian George Preetisha Gary Tanna Michael Rachael Jonathan Grant Iain Samantha Alyssa Thomas Daniel Jacob Matt Jerry Andrew Kayla Josh Casey Max Nathan Valerie Casey Nathan Jordan Daniel Shelby Ian Karli Maggie Rachel Portia Megan Thomas Ashley Ian Evan So jung Jenny Renqing Veronica Miranda Gabriel Mariana Julio Kassandra Nathan Jon Janell Damie Saha Vestal Zhou Al-Fayyomi Asad Brown Byers Cai Desai Fuller Gentile Hill Hutcheson Kang Kurfiss Nguyen Thenappan Thomas Tota Wang Wang Zhang Zhong Sen Bown Green Holt Jones Lopez Sharratt Warrell-King Wolf Alcorn Biery Kinsley Westfall Witte Bagazinski Campbell Cortes Palmer Rhines Trombley Van patten Zaleski Rhines Van Patten Dicken Going Heck Hutchinson Jordan Lamaster Levering Mastin Morley Visnack Whitaker Figures Grifith Kim Lee Wu Garcia Marty Ozuna Pena Romero Tafolla Geldner Henricks Herrera Juat House House Senate Senate Senate House House Senate Senate Senate House House Senate House Senate House Senate House House House A B D G E G C E B B C E G B A F F E D E Senate House House House House House House House Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate Senate House Senate House House Senate House House House Senate House Senate Senate House Senate House House House House Senate House House Senate Senate House Senate House Senate Senate House House House House Senate Senate House House B G F B D G C A C F D G E E F G F G A G A D B C C C A D D B C F A E C G A D C G G D D E B D C E A G A B Bill Sponsor 602F 502E 205B 502E 205B 602F 602F 502E 704G 704G 308C 308C 401D 401D 301C 301C 410D 707G 707G 410D 106A 20 Chapter Title First Last House Committee IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA IMSA Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill Indian Hill King King King King King Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lake Forest Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lakota East Lawrence Free State Lawrence Free State Lawrence Free State Lawrence Free State Lincoln Park Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Clerk Rep. Rep. Chair Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Democratic Whip Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Akram Jim Thomas Christine Chante Yinka Samir Brittany Aadi Matt Summer Stanley Kevin Jeffrey Melissa Liz Anna Dena Saahil Erin Dylan Andrew Arjun Perrin Colin Drew Michael Mahir Justin Katie Ali Corey Amerigo Justine Doniya Braden Kevin Camron Billy Nicole Nina Lukas Ayse Eric Christian Kimber Mona Bisola Harish Sam Andrew Megan Lilly Raika Alexandra Ashley Chip Jennifer Elaine Jacob Emma James Matthew Mohinee Jarred Sabeel Daniel Brady Alex Keil Ruben Lucas Vicky Khaja Li Lightfoot-vidal Liu Mahone Onayemi Shah Taylor Tolappa Williams Wu Yuan Zhang Zhao Aydogan Becker Closser Cohen Desai Froehlich Gould Jansen Jindal Lampe Mcconnell Pierce Sewell Sharif Skaggs Thomas Winter Zhu Caffo Cardenas Cardenas Smith Spring Bagheri Gregg IV Hensel Munoz Munoz Muratoglu Neumeister Neumeister Owens Seyed-Bolorforosh Sosan Sriram Tauke Trandai Walusiak Wang Casey Griffin Jencen Jenkins Kilyk Laux Linder Lipscomb Marshall McCormick Mukherjee Noffsinger Qureshi Robbins Williamson Becker Eggers James Smith Fernandez House House House House House House Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate Senate Senate Senate House House Senate House House House House House House House Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate House House House House House House House House Senate Senate House D F C E F G F G A A A E F C C D D A C D B C C C F D F C D D E E E C D C E E E F G B C B Senate House Senate Senate Senate House House House House House House House House Senate House Senate House Senate House Senate House Senate Senate House Senate House Senate Senate G A A A B B C D A A D B G A G F F D B G C B E G F E G G Bill Sponsor 610F 106A 106A 506E 610F 304C 404D 404D 304C 404D 304C 304C 304C 404D 108A 108A 208B 208B 101A 201B 101A 710G 604F 604F 710G 201B 705G 705G 21 Chapter Title First Last House Committee Bill Sponsor Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Lynchburg-Clay Lynchburg-Clay Lynchburg-Clay Mayo Mayo Mayo Mayo Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miami Beach Senior Miamisburg Miamisburg Miamisburg Miamisburg Miamisburg Miamisburg Middleton Middleton Middleton Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Mooresville Morgantown Morgantown Naperville Central Naperville Central Naperville Central Naperville Central Naperville Central Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Chair Socialist Whip Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Republican Whip Chair Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Chair Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Chair Rep. Sen. Libertarian Whip Chair Sen. Libertarian Whip Rep. Chair Rep. Clerk Rep. Sen. Libertarian Chair Rep. Rep. MW Governor Socialist Whip Sen. Rep. MaryCarmen Francisco Tania Wendy Manuel Elisabet Ana Emily Dylan Rachael Rebecca Maggie Emily Tim Kearstin Dustin Gracemarie Richard Richard Nicole Joseph Paul Michael David Juan Amanda Christina Carmen Jonathan Jj Kayla Brian Allie Veronica Alessia Saayee Steven Heidi Ally Allyson Michael Andrew Jon Samuel Sarah Kyle Jeff Meghan Hannah Allanah Michael Nikki Kayleigh Molly Karri Justin Nina Rachel Edeline Gayatri Lisa Frank Karthik Subomi Sameer Garrett Michael Adam Jack Tony Josie Christina Will Figueroa Figueroa Gantiva Gantiva Gonzalez Ortiz Xue Bartee Bogard Collins Knauss Lewis Lunn Mains Mains Sexton Thompson Oaks Tarr Tarr Hagedon Messick Schneekloth Wadkins Aljure Epstein Fernandez Kelly Lehrman Lehrman Leighton Lombardi Perry Pizzorni Pizzorni Arumugam Eckstein Gentis Jendruczak Mcintosh Melko Gilchrist-Scott Luskin Maier Bonnewell Casteel Hackett Hoskins Jones Lee Smith Wampler White Whitley Wise Fanok Orteza Brann Chen Sanku Swanson Zhao Bala Bankole-Hameed Bansal Barnes Brotzman Burshan Carbonara Castagnoli Dalton Dister Donnelly House Senate House House House House House House Senate Senate Senate House Senate House House House House House Senate Senate G G F G A C B A B C C G A A D E F B C G 708G 708G Senate House Senate House Senate House House House House House House House House Senate Senate F F F B C F G C C A D E B B B Senate Senate Senate House House House House Senate Senate Senate House House House Senate House House House House Senate E D D D E C D C D D F D A C C B F C F House Senate G F House House House House House Senate F C C G B F House House E B Senate House A B 103A 305C 103A 303C 606F 606F 209B 310C 310C 209B 403D 403D 403D 307C 407D 407D 407D 307C 307C 307C 605F 605F 210B 306C 306C 206B 22 Chapter Title First Last House Committee Bill Sponsor Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naperville North Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley Neuqua Valley New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville New Knoxville Nova Nova Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Pickerington North Rockford Rockford Seven Hills Seven Hills Seven Hills Seven Hills Seven Hills Rep. Sen. Democratic Chair Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Republican Whip Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Clerk Rep. Rep. Clerk Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Chair Chair Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. SE Governor Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. Rep. Republican Chair Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Nick Zachary Anastasia Nafisat Anthony Nicole Mei lun Viren Daniel Sam Breanna Tobias Stefan Ahmed Avi Nick Eric Arpan Elena Sarvottam Tracy Karlesia Praneeth Antonios Nic Katie Emma Theresa Jonathan Connor Tay Shin Kai Wei Marco Mark Vinay Carly Nesh Vikram Ankur Aswin Abhishek Benjamin Krishna Cameron David Jena Lydia Richie PJ Sarah Jimmy Amanda Greg Jared Janice Andrew Donald Andrew Alexander Melody Siyu Victoria John Patrick Alex Bri Gabriel Hillary Kate Sara Conrad Fattore Gold Golovashkina Hanidu Intini IV Jameson Jue Kumar Li Mather Mcmahon Mielke Mielke Mohammad Prakash Price Price Rau Sakelaris Salvi Sinkhorn Toney-Pickett Tripuranemi Varelas Wolf Davidsen Davidsen Novak Saunders Spielmaker Su Su Su Su Zamora Gaughan Kashyap Naughton Patel Ramesh Sarup Sivaraman Srivastava Stern Yarramasu Beckett Boesche Braden Felty Felty Kiernan Mason Perrine Scherer Bernstein Odessky Bonsu Brady Burris Hesch Lawson Liu Liu Nguyen Parsons Yen Quinn Venturo Blanco Goldsmith Harsh Hodgkins Jacober House Senate D C 306C House Senate House Senate Senate House Senate House House House Senate Senate House House Senate Senate House House House F B G C G D B F E G G A F G D D A A B House House House Senate Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate Senate House Senate House House Senate Senate Senate House House House House House House House Senate House Senate House House Senate C B A A C G E A C A C D C G D A B E F A B B B C E A A D B F G B House House House House Senate House Senate Senate Senate House D B A F A A D C D B House Senate House House House Senate E E D E G B 702G 406D 206B 702G 406D 306C 109A 510E 309C 510E 109A 309C 109A 309C 207B 207B 210B 402D 105A 105A 402D 506E 506E 204B 23 Chapter Title First Last House Committee Seven Hills Seven Hills Seven Hills Seven Hills Springfield Springfield St. Peter's St. Peter's The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School The Benjamin School Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Troy Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Union Local Universal School Universal School Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Vernon Hills HS Wayzata Wayzata Wayzata Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Western Reserve Academy Sen. Rep. Socialist Chair Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Clerk Rep. Sen. Sen. Sen. ORV Governor Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Clerk Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Clerk Rep. Chair Rep. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Sen. Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Rep Sen. Rep. Rep. Rep. Clerk Rep. Sen. Sen. Rep. Sen. Clerk Rep. Sasha Suhel Virgilio Anushree Sara Farah Sarah Ann Meredith Jamie Jorge Margaret Ben Ben Sam Andrew Will Christian Christian Yusef Raja Dimitri Emily Ashley Courtney Jesse Rachel Craig Danielle Dylan Beth Tiffany Shana Dustin Victor Zachary Jalina Andy Mitchell Tommy Megan Madison Cassie Dalton Shannon Nick Mahdi Adham Moya Tiffany Daniel Joshua Jasmine Huyen Jon Paige Steven Jenny Nick Melissa Sarah Kelsey Mitesh Monica Trenton Cynthia Marisa Shivani Nick Inga Lindsey Lieberman Singh Urbina Lazardi Vora Tamizuddin Tamizuddin Carracher Carracher Berger Corey Dominicis Downey Germano Germano Greenspan Roche Selfridge Sendler Sendler Al-Jarani Gupta Morgan Phillis Rector Schmiedebusch Soutar Stump Timms Wright Applegarth Brown Datkuliak Glasgow Goff Leon Lucas McClarin Mehler Moore Moore Nagy Nagy Seneff White Williams Wittenbrook Sahloul Sahloul Chen Do Galinovskiy Kosoglaz Maldonado Nguyen Rudnick Smith Tinetti Zavatsky Ahamed Diamond Mehanna Gordon Mehta Mehta Pacer Pardo Rosenberg Shah Sovich Wells Wirtz Senate House F F House House Senate House House House House House House House Senate House Senate Senate Senate Senate Senate B E E B C D E F G A A A G G G A B House Senate House House House Senate Senate House House Senate House House Senate House House Senate Senate House House Senate Senate House House House House House Senate Senate House House House House Senate House Senate Senate House House Senate House House House Senate House Senate House House Senate House House B C F B D D E E A D G D F E B A B B F B G D D B C G C E A B E C D F E F D G G E B B C F F A G B A C Bill Sponsor 204B 505E 505E 110A 709G 709G 110A 405D 203B 203B 405D 507E 507E 607F 607F 706G 706G 202B 302C 302C 202B 24 HOUSE & SENATE A HOUSE A SENATE A Nesh Patel of Neuqua Valley HS, Chair Inga Wells of Western Reserve Academy, Clerk Jordan Dicken of Greenfield-Central HS, Chair Kai Su of Naples HS, Clerk Rep. Dylan Applegarth Union Local H.S. Rep. Emily Bartee Lloyd H.S. Rep. Jonathan Beto Danville H.S. Rep. Raika Casey Lakota East H.S. Rep. Dena Cohen Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Kayla Cortes Franklin H.S. Rep. Katie Davidsen Naples H.S. Rep. Maya Decresce-Carter Badin H.S. Rep. Tiffany Do Vernon Hills HS Rep. Lydia Felty New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Ben Germano The Benjamin School Rep. Manuel Gonzalez Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Sam Greenspan The Benjamin School Rep. Alexandra Griffin Lakota East H.S. Rep. Akash Gupta Academy At The Lakes Rep. Janell Herrera Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Bryan Jacobs Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Katherine Johnson Academy At The Lakes Rep. Allanah Lee Mooresville H.S. Rep. Kayla Leighton Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Rachel Levering Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Melody Liu Pickerington H.S. Rep. Jonathan Lopez Fairfield H.S. Rep. Tim Mains Lloyd H.S. Rep. Alex Morgan Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Taylor Pizzi Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Marisa Rosenberg Western Reserve Academy Rep. Upal Saha Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Rep. Sarvottam Salvi Naperville North H.S. Rep. Hannah Schoolmeester Culver Academies Rep. Hillary Schuler Avon H.S. Rep. Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Tracy Sinkhorn Naperville North H.S. Rep. Abhishek Srivastava Neuqua Valley H.S. Rep. Tay Su Naples H.S. Rep. Marcus Thilen Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Justin Trnavsky Avon H.S. Rep. Lauren Watts Culver Academies Rep. Ashley Whitaker Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Matt Williams Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Summer Wu Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Donald Burris Pickerington H.S. Sen. Emma Davidsen Naples H.S. Sen. Christina Dister Naperville North H.S. Sen. Raymond Dong Badin H.S. Sen. Mary Faith Academy At The Lakes Sen. Richie Felty New Knoxville H.S. Sen. Nathan Geldner Illinois Math And Science Academy Sen. Ben Germano The Benjamin School Sen. Stevie Gordon Academy At The Lakes Sen. Timothy Kurfiss Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Elaine Laux Lakota East H.S. Sen. Alexander Lawson Pickerington H.S. Sen. Emily Lunn Lloyd H.S. Sen. Jalina McClarin Union Local H.S. Sen. Rebecca Mellino Avon H.S. Sen. Caitlin Peet Bexley H.S. Sen. Kirstyn Petras Culver Academies Sen. Avi Prakash Naperville North H.S. Sen. Casey Rhines Franklin H.S. Sen. Christian Sendler The Benjamin School Sen. Kelsey Shankle Crestline H.S. Sen. Bisola Sosan Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Harish Sriram Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Aadi Tolappa Illinois Math And Science Academy Sen. Bryan Urban Arrowhead H.S. 25 HOUSE & SENATE A LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 101 A: A BILL TO ALLOW WOMEN IN ANY COMBAT ROLE Sponsored by: Senator Elaine Laux of Lakota East High School Representative Raika Casey of Lakota East High School 102 A: A BILL TO MAKE CAFFEINE CONTENT A MANDATORY PART OF NUTRITION LABELS Sponsored by: Senator Rebecca Mellino of Avon High School Representative Justin Tranvsky of Avon High School 103 A: A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE ABUSE OF EMINENT DOMAIN Sponsored by: Senator Emily Lunn of Lloyd High School Representative Emily Bartee of Lloyd High School 104 A: A BILL TO END HARMFUL BIO FUEL MANDATES Sponsored by: Senator Jonathan Beto of Danville High School Representative Raymond Dong of Badin High School 105 A: A BILL LEGITIMIZING THE PRACTICE OF PROSTITUTION AS AN OCCUPATION Sponsored by: Senator Alex Lawson of Pickerington North High School Representative Don Burris of Pickerington North High School 106 A: A BILL TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Nathan Geldner of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Summer Wu from Illinois Math and Science Academy 107 A: A BILL TO REMOVE THE USE OF THE BIBLE IN COURT Sponsored by: Senator Kirstyn Petras of Culver Academies Representative Hannah Schoolmeester of Culver Academies 108 A: A BILL TO AUDIT THE AUDITORS Sponsored by: Senator Harish Sriram of Lake Forest High School Representative Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh of Lake Forest High School 109 A: A BILL TO MAKE ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES Sponsored by: Senator Kai Su from Naples High Representative Katie Davidsen from Naples High Representative Tay Su from Naples High 110 A: A BILL TO CREATE A JUDICIAL STANDARD TO INCARCERATE CAPTIVE ENEMY COMBATANTS Sponsored by: Senator Christian Sendler of The Benjamin School Representative Ben Germano of The Benjamin School 111 A: AN AMENDMENT TO REDEFINE THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF NATURAL-BORN CITIZENSHIP Senator Caitlin Hollander of Academy at the Lakes High School Representative Conor Zhang of Academy at the Lakes High School *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 111.A. 26 101 A: A BILL TO ALLOW WOMEN IN ANY COMBAT ROLE Sponsored by: Senator Elaine Laux of Lakota East High School Representative Raika Casey of Lakota East High School The current laws state that women are not allowed to participate in a variety of roles in the U.S. Armed Forces. In May 2005 a move was made in the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee to reduce the roles women can take in the U.S. military, to ensure that they do not become involved in a combat situation. This change was opposed by the U.S. Army but the wider debate on women at war remains open. If women are able to undergo the same training and meet the same qualifications as men, then why should they be prevented from fulfilling the same duties as their counterparts? Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The U.S. Armed Forces allow any willing individual, regardless of gender, to participate in any combat role for which they meet the proper qualifications. 102 A: A BILL TO MAKE CAFFEINE CONTENT A MANDATORY PART OF NUTRITION LABELS Sponsored by: Senator Rebecca Mellino of Avon High School Representative Justin Tranvsky of Avon High School Caffeine is currently under much scrutiny for its addictive power. As of now, there are no regulations on the postings of caffeine content. Most companies refrain from posting the contents as caffeine has been shown to be bad for one’s health. Caffeine is the drug that is most overdosed on in the United States and without the knowledge of content of it in a certain product, the issue cannot be resolved easily. Publishing caffeine content will create public awareness of growing the growing caffeine addiction as well as promote better health choices for citizens. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Manufacturers of beverages and food products will be required to provide how much caffeine content total is in each of their products Section 2. Manufacturers will be required to do so within two years of the bill being passed. 103 A: A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE ABUSE OF EMINENT DOMAIN Sponsored by: Senator Emily Lunn of Lloyd High School Representative Emily Bartee of Lloyd High School Eminent Domain is a policy that allows the government to seize private property for “public use” with “just compensation”. Recently, the reports of eminent domain abuse has risen drastically. Instead of seizing the land for purposes such as building a road or school, the government seizes the land and sells it to private constructors in order to increase their tax revenue. They are able to do this because, currently there are no set credentials for a project to be considered public good. In some cases, government officials claim an area to be “blighted” and in the need of redevelopment, evicting people from their homes and businesses in order to build higher revenue areas. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. A project will be considered public use in the cases of building government (public) buildings (such as school, hospitals, libraries, etc.), improving city infrastructure, blighted areas in the need of renovation, and in cases where the public need is evident. Section 2. All projects must be verified by each county court that is affected by the project. If any court denies the project it must be aborted or altered and sent through the courts system again. Any project may go through the system a total of three times before it must be discarded. 27 Section 3. Any government official in charge of a project that is found abusing this policy in the court of law, will be immediately discharged from his/her office. This will be decided on in the county in which the people are evicted and if they feel they received an unfair trial they can appeal to a higher court. 104 A: A BILL TO END HARMFUL BIO FUEL MANDATES Sponsored by: Senator Jonathan Beto of Danville High School Representative Raymond Dong of Badin High School The Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007 mandates that by 2022 the United States must produce at least thirty-six billion (36,000,000,000) gallons of bio fuels. However, this short sited mandate harms the United States because bio fuels do not result in fewer greenhouse gas emission, they dramatically raise food prices globally while over 852 million people around the world starve, and they are prohibitively expensive without wasteful government subsidies. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Title II of the Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007 shall be struck and all mandates within it be considered invalid. Section 2. All unspent funds marked for use as bio fuel subsidies shall be redirected to the general fund. Section 3. All agencies of the US federal government are ordered to cease funding research regarding bio fuels. 105 A: A BILL LEGITIMIZING THE PRACTICE OF PROSTITUTION AS AN OCCUPATION Sponsored by: Senator Alex Lawson of Pickerington North High School Representative Don Burris of Pickerington North High School As of 2011, all 50 States in the United States of America criminalize the practice of selling sexual services for money, with the exception of a few rural counties in the State of Nevada. Prostitution is a very lucrative operation that is used by men or women for monetary gain. When properly regulated, it can be conducted in a safe manner that does not harm the buyer or the seller. However, under current laws, prostitution is often exploited by crime rings to fund illegal activities. The current criminalization of prostitution has created a stigma around a legitimate occupation, and encourages misogyny and misandry. Countries such as Australia have had success regulating the sale of sexual services by requiring prostitutes to register for a permit, in order to legally sell their services. Additionally, prostitutes are only allowed to solicit in predefined zones that the States determine. By decriminalizing prostitution, the sale of sexual services will become much safer and profitable for the buyers and sellers of aforementioned services. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. An agency shall be instituted with the oversight of the United States Department of Labor to enforce the laws that protect the legal practice of prostitution. Section 2. Buyers and sellers of sexual services must register with the government in order to be permitted to purchase or sell sexual services. Section 3. Registered prostitutes must submit to monthly STD testing at an approved clinic. Failure to submit will invalidate a permit. Section 4. Contractual agreements must be made between buyers and sellers of sexual services, who are male and female, to determine the outcome or who bears the responsibility of a child in the event that one is produced as an effect of the sexual service. These agreements must be made before the sexual service is performed. Furthermore, the sexual service cannot be performed until such an agreement has been made. Section 5. State agencies are permitted to define zones of land where prostitutes may legally solicit. Section 6. Registered prostitutes are required to keep record of their transactions, for tax purposes. Section 7. This bill shall take effect immediately upon its passage. 28 106 A: A BILL TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Nathan Geldner of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Summer Wu from Illinois Math and Science Academy In many police precincts, American citizens have been arrested for filming the illegal acts of law enforcement officers. Freedom and accountability are essential components of both law enforcement and peaceful society, and the United States must follow these necessities as well. In an era of widespread use of digital cameras, camcorders, and other recording devices, citizens have the power to document, report, and prevent abuses of the law by those in uniform. Therefore, Americans need to be granted the right to film and photograph on-duty police officers and other law enforcement officials. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. That in all jurisdictions in the United States, the filming, videotaping, photographing, or otherwise recording of the actions of an active police officer by a private citizen in public areas be explicitly permitted. Section 2. That stalking and videotaping of off-duty and inactive police officers in private areas remain prohibited. Section 3. That harassment or hindrance of law enforcement officials be prohibited. Section 4. That harassment of citizens engaged in filming or otherwise recording of law enforcement officer be prohibited. Section 5. That all laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. 107 A: A BILL TO REMOVE THE USE OF THE BIBLE IN COURT Sponsored by: Senator Kirstyn Petras of Culver Academies Representative Hannah Schoolmeester of Culver Academies At the time of the foundation of the American judicial system, Christianity was a prominent element of society. Today with different religions, or lack thereof, becoming more prevalent, the Bible is not an effective deterrent of perjury. Because the United States is such a rich blend of cultures, it should not be determined that the book of one religion be held higher than others. The Constitution, being the one document that ties together all American citizens, should be what those in court should swear upon. The Constitution, with the Bill of Rights, is what gives the citizens of the country their civil rights. By swearing on this document those who are testifying in court are promising on their civil rights they will tell the truth. This better suits the views of the country by encompassing all beliefs and cultures. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that: Section 1. The United States Court System end all use of the Bible. Section 2. Those testifying in court swear on the Constitution of the United States of America. Section 3. All laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. 108 A: A BILL TO AUDIT THE AUDITORS Sponsored by: Senator Harish Sriram of Lake Forest High School Representative Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh of Lake Forest High School The IRS is a completely opaque organization; our tax money goes in, and numbers come out. Americans have very little idea what goes on after our tax forms are filled, but we deserve to have an accurate account of one of our governments most important organizations. By performing an audit on the IRS using a commission of private companies who have some stake in the outcome, we are guaranteed to eliminate any problems using the magic of the private sector. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Internal Revenue Service be audited by a Commission of private auditing. Firms comprised of select members of the “Big Four:” Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, KPMG, Ernst & Young and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Section 2. The Commission be compensated with 10% of the amount of financial irregularities discovered. The members of this Commission shall be selected by the heads of these companies and approved by the Comptroller General of the United States. 29 109 A: A BILL TO MAKE ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES Sponsored by: Senator Kai Su from Naples High Representative Katie Davidsen from Naples High Representative Tay Su from Naples High English has been the language traditionally spoken in America. It is the first language of most U.S. citizens and is consistently taught in all schools. However, other languages are becoming more widespread, and may eventually surpass English as the most commonly spoken language in America. Immigrants to the United States must learn how to speak English in order to fully assimilate into the American culture. Currently, immigrants to the U.S. must take a test to ensure that they know basic points of the English language. This test should be enhanced to include a verbal, written, and reading portion, as these skills are necessary for immigrants to fully take part in American life. Under one common language, America will become united as a whole, and will run more efficiently as a country. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. English will become the official language of the United States of America. Section 2: All United States citizens will be required to speak English. Section 3. The English test that immigrants are required to take will be changed to include a verbal, written, and reading portion. Section 4. The aforementioned test will be created and administered by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services. 110 A: A BILL TO CREATE A JUDICIAL STANDARD TO INCARCERATE CAPTIVE ENEMY COMBATANTS Sponsored by: Senator Christian Sendler of The Benjamin School Representative Ben Germano of The Benjamin School As non-state sponsored warfare becomes the norm, and unconventional warfare becomes conventional, the United States needs firm legislation to establish methods of incarcerating detainees, and putting unlawful enemy combatants to a trial. As is present, neither military commissions nor civilian courts have proven to prevent further attacks, and each detainee presents a tug-of-war of jurisdiction politicking. Treating unlawful enemy combatants distinctly as either soldiers or civilians is a backwards way of thinking that is only damaging the United States’ counterterrorism efforts. What follows are guidelines concerning ways to deal with unlawful enemy combatants in armed conflicts and in future counterterrorism campaigns. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The term “unlawful enemy combatant” refers to: 1. a foreign national who has engaged in hostilities or who has purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States or its co-belligerents who is not a lawful enemy combatant (including a person who is part of the Taliban, alQaida, or associated forces); or 2. a foreign national who, before, on, or after the date of the enactment of JUSTICE Act of 2010, has been determined to be an unlawful enemy combatant by the National Security Court. Section 2. The following judicial bodies shall be established: 1. The National Security Court shall bring to an immediate trial those who have been determined to be a possible unlawful enemy combatant. The Court will be overseen by five federal judges with life tenure, initially to be appointed by the House Judiciary Committee and confirmed by the United States Senate. Upon the initial appointment of the five members, each appointment thereafter is to be made by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. If there is not suitable evidence that a defendant be tried as an unlawful enemy combatant, the Court may recommend trial in a civilian court or military tribunal, pending the nature of the defendant’s alleged crime. If the Court rules that the defendant is guilty, the unlawful enemy combatant will face immediate incarceration. 2. The Unlawful Enemy Combatant Court of Appeals shall act as an appellate court for the unlawful enemy combatant. The defendant has the right to one appeal decision, which shall be ruled upon by 3 federal judges to be appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. 3. The Detention Review Panel shall decide upon potential release of unlawful enemy combatants. The Panel shall consist of two intelligence officials appointed by the Director of National Intelligence and three federal judges appointed by the 30 4. President of the United States, all of whom are to be confirmed by the United States Senate. Each detainee will qualify for review once upon the first five years of incarceration, and then once per year thereafter. The Combatant Status Review Tribunal as established on July 7, 2004 by order of the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense is to be abolished upon the enactment of this legislation. Section 3. Captured unlawful enemy combatants shall be detained at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. The President of the United States has the authority to change the location of detention to any other facility, so long as it remains on foreign soil. Detainees shall not be assigned a set release date upon their incarceration. Section 4. 1. 2. 3. Unlawful enemy combatants are subject to basic human rights, but not necessarily to the constitutional rights of United States citizens. Detainees will not receive the full protections of civilian defendants (which includes, but is not limited to, the right to face one’s accuser, the inadmissibility of warrantless evidence, the right to see the evidence presented against a defendant). Torture and forced interrogation methods (including, but not limited to, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, exposure to intense temperatures) shall not be used on detainees at any point during their capture or incarceration. Evidence obtained while an unlawful enemy combatant was subjected to torture is inadmissible in the National Security Court and the Unlawful Enemy Combatant Court of Appeals. 111 A: AN AMENDMENT TO REDEFINE THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF NATURAL-BORN CITIZENSHIP Senator Caitlin Hollander of Academy at the Lakes High School Representative Conor Zhang of Academy at the Lakes High School WHEREAS, The children of illegal immigrants born in these United States are guaranteed the same rights and privileges of those who are born to legal residents and WHEREAS, The number of US-citizen children born to illegal immigrants has dramatically increased over the past five years from 2.7 million in 2003 to 4 million in 2008 WHEREAS, the social systems in place to benefit citizens are straining under the weight of these children Be it resolved that upon approval of two-thirds of the chamber of this Junior State Winter Congress here assembled, the following Constitutional amendment be sent to the state legislatures for approval: Section 1: Only persons born of at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or national; a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of the aforementioned persons’ birth are natural born citizens of the United States of America and subject to the jurisdiction thereof and of the State wherein they reside. Section 2: This amendment will only apply to persons born after its ratification. Section 3: This amendment will make no change to the provisions set down by the Child Citizenship Act or other specific natural born citizenship laws predating its ratification Section 4: The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 31 HOUSE & SENATE B HOUSE B SENATE B Shannon Williams of Union Local HS, Chair Kunal Thakkar of C. Leon King HS, Clerk Vikram Ramesh of Neuqua Valley HS, Chair Tiantian Zhang of Dublin Coffman HS, Clerk Rep. Shaun Alexander Avon H.S. Rep. Juan Aljure Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Cecily Allen Danville H.S. Rep. Sameer Bansal Naperville North H.S. Rep. Cameron Beckett New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Ariel Boliek Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Gary Bown Fairfield H.S. Rep. Andrew Brady Pickerington H.S. Rep. Jack Carbonara Naperville North H.S. Rep. Sarah Carracher St. Peter's H.S. Rep. Will Donnelly Naperville North H.S. Rep. Daniel Galinovskiy Vernon Hills HS Rep. Kelsey Gordon Western Reserve Academy Rep. Dylan Gould Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Chip Jenkins Lakota East H.S. Rep. Damie Juat Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Jimmy Kang Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Hayley Lock Academy At The Lakes Rep. Emmett Lotz Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Zachary Lucas Union Local H.S. Rep. Mitesh Mehta Western Reserve Academy Rep. Mitchell Moore Union Local H.S. Rep. Dimitri Morgan Troy H.S. Rep. Mohinee Mukherjee Lakota East H.S. Rep. Eric Neumeister Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Richard Oaks Lynchburg-Clay H.S. Rep. Gabriel Ozuna Idea Academy Rep. Jason Pitcairn Academy At The Lakes Rep. Veronica Pizzorni Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Courtney Schmiedebusch Troy H.S. Rep. Benjamin Stern Neuqua Valley H.S. Rep. Andrew Trandai Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Nathan Van patten Franklin H.S. Rep. Gary Vestal Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Rep. Anushree Vora Seven Hills Upper School Rep. Jake Weber Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Kayleigh White Mooresville H.S. Rep. Tyler Willis Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Nic Wolf Naperville North H.S. Rep. Ana Xue Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Krishna Yarramasu Neuqua Valley H.S. Rep. Patrick Yen Pickerington H.S. Sen. Yusef Al-Jarani Troy H.S. Sen. Saayee Arumugam Miamisburg H.S. Sen. Greg Bernstein Nova H.S. Sen. Dylan Bogard Lloyd H.S. Sen. Stephanie Calderia Coral Springs Christian Sen. Raghav Desai Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Taylor Fuller Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Caitlin Hollander Academy At The Lakes Sen. Ian Hutchinson Greenfield Central H.S. Sen. Anthony Intini IV Naperville North H.S. Sen. Conrad Jacober Seven Hills Upper School Sen. Jeff Levline Badin H.S. Sen. Colleen Lopez Academy At The Lakes Sen. Sarah Mason New Knoxville H.S. Sen. Sam Mather Naperville North H.S. Sen. Andy Mehler Union Local H.S. Sen. Lukas Munoz Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Megan Nagy Union Local H.S. Sen. Alessia Pizzorni Miami Beach Senior H.S. Sen. Daniel Robbins Lakota East H.S. Sen. Nick Sovich Western Reserve Academy Sen. Sam Tauke Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Lindsey Weber Arrowhead H.S. 32 HOUSE & SENATE B LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 201 B: A BILL TO REPEAL AND REPLACE “OBAMACARE” WITH FREEDOM OF HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Robbins of Lakota East High School Representative Chip Jenkins of Lakota East High School 202 B: A BILL TO MAINTAIN ADHERENCE TO A NATIONAL BALANCED BUDGET Sponsored by: Senator Nick Sovich of Western Reserve Academy Representative Mitesh Mehta of Western Reserve Academy 203 B: A BILL TO CRIMINALIZE THE PROTEST OF FUNERALS Sponsored by: Senator Andy Mehler of Union Local High School Representative Zach Lucas of Union Local High School 204 B: A BILL TO LIMIT FINANCIAL CHARITY Sponsored by: Senator Conrad Jacober of Seven Hills Upper School Representative Anushree Vora of Seven Hills Upper School 205 B: A BILL TO IMPLEMENT A COLLEGE PLAYOFF SYSTEM Sponsored by: Senator Raghav Desai of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Jimmy Kang of Dublin Coffman High School 206 B: A BILL TO REEVALUATE FEMA’S DISASTER PROTOCOLS Sponsored by: Senator Sam Mather of Naperville North High School Representative Will Donnelly of Naperville North High School 207 B: A BIILL TO SUPPORT EDUCATED IMMIGRANTS Sponsored by: Senator Vikram Ramesh of Neuqua Valley High School Representative Krishna Yarramasu of Neuqua Valley High School 208 B: A BILL TO ENSNARE MANY BENEFITS ARISING FROM REAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES Sponsored by: Senator Sam Tauke of Lake Forest High School Representative Andrew Trandai of Lake Forest High School 209 B: RESOLUTION TO INTEGRATE THE METRIC SYTEM INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Alessia Pizzorni of Miami Beach Senior High School Representative Juan Aljure of Miami Beach Senior High School 210 B: A BILL TO REGULATE CONFLICT MINERALS FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Sponsored by: Senator Greg Bernstein of Nova High School Representative Sameer Bansal of Naperville North High School *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 210.B. 33 201 B: A BILL TO REPEAL AND REPLACE “OBAMACARE” WITH FREEDOM OF HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Robbins of Lakota East High School Representative Chip Jenkins of Lakota East High School The current status of the legislature’s attempts to reform the United States healthcare system for the better has proven counterintuitive for its citizens. Since the passage of the much publicized "Health Care Bills", most Americans have seen their insurance premiums increase, their coverage greatly reduced, or have lost coverage all together. Clearly, government expansion, regulation, mandates, and consolidation has failed to help the American people. The time has come to focus on real reform that will encourage competition, reduce expenses, promote business, and protect individuals. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. H.R. 4872 and H.R. 3590 are effectively repealed. Section 2. State-government laws and provisions restricting or prohibiting the individual citizen's right to purchase health care coverage from companies across state lines are overruled. Section 3. Citizens are hereby free to purchase health care coverage across state lines under the protection of Article I Section 8 Clause 3 of the Constitution. Section 4. United States Department of Health and Human Services shall decide the severity of a doctor's error or misjudgment necessary to file malpractice lawsuits, and shall outline situations under which malpractice lawsuits are frivolous. Section 5. The civil and criminal courts shall enforce the parameters resulting from Section 6. The Internal Revenue Code shall provide a tax credit worth 2% of a company’s revenue to companies that provide full health care coverage for all their employees as well as lesser credits to companies providing partial coverage. Section 7. Health care companies are hereby prohibited from disallowing business to pool resources, establish cooperatives, and purchase health care coverage in bulk. This will be regulated and punished by the Federal Trade Commission. Section 9. Health care companies are prohibited from denying coverage to individuals with involuntary preexisting conditions. Section 10. Medicaid and Medicare recipients will now be screened for drug use, citizenship, and criminal records before receiving federal subsidies. Section 11. Supplemental insurance coverage through Medicaid is hereby restricted solely to family units collecting less than $50,000 per year. Section 12. Medicare coverage from here on shall be capped based upon the number of individuals in the program and the money allocated to it. Section 13. Medicare providers shall hereby be decided without central planning or price controls, but rather through the competitive price on the free market. Section 14. Medicare recipients will have control over what health care providers they are subject to. Section 15. The federal government shall have necessary powers to enforce these provisions. 202 B: A BILL TO MAINTAIN ADHERENCE TO A NATIONAL BALANCED BUDGET Sponsored by: Senator Nick Sovich of Western Reserve Academy Representative Mitesh Mehta of Western Reserve Academy Seeing that the national debt has increased exponentially over the past decade, an increase in concern has arisen over the amount of money which is wasted on interest rates to other nations. By creating a mandate for stricter adherence to the national budget, future generations will be saved from paying exorbitant tax rates. Furthermore, citizens will be saved from the potential collapse in the value of the US dollar. 34 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Congress must abide by the annual balanced national budget which is established, and may not pass legislation which exceeds these monetary restrictions. Section 2. Noting that unexpected circumstances may arise, Congress may supersede the restrictions of the national budget with a two-thirds vote from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 203 B: A BILL TO CRIMINALIZE THE PROTEST OF FUNERALS Sponsored by: Senator Andy Mehler of Union Local High School Representative Zach Lucas of Union Local High School Westboro Baptist Church has been in the news a lot lately, for their very controversial protests of funerals for victims of things such as: Shootings, house fires, plane crashes, brutal murders, and worse of all those whom died in the line of combat. This group believes that “God Hates the World” as they sung in tribute to “Michael Jackson’s ascension to hell.” Saying, the first amendment protects their right to do this, under right to protest, freedom of religion and speech. However, in this instance that is not completely true. Their language is so rude, obscene and vulgar it’s actually considered slander, not speech. Within that, the constitution only protects peaceful, law abiding, religions. Their branch of “Christianity” isn’t peaceful in the lease bit. When they protest they often do it with large signs stating such comments as: “God Hates America”, “God hates Fag Enablers”, “9-11, Gift from God”, “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”, “You will eat your children”, “Priests rape boys” and “Obama, Antichrist 2010”. So malicious, could anything defend it? There protests actually can be criminalized on quite a few levels, which, the first amendment does not protect against. These include: Defamation, Disturbance of the Peace, Harassment, Invasion of privacy, and occasionally trespassing. They use the Constitution, to do what they please, yet they cannot respect us in any form or manner. With such unpatriotic acts such as playing Hackysack with a flag, military protest, funeral protests, and an overall message of hate, why should America not punish those who have turn their back on America? Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. No persons shall protest any distance within 300 feet of a cemetery, funeral home, funeral procession, wake, memorial service, or burial in the time of 60 minutes before or after the service. Section 2. Penalty for an infraction upon this law as follows: 1. be no more than 500 dollars in fines 2. be no more than 90 days in prison 3. both a fine of no more than 500 dollars and no more than 90 days in prison. Section 3. Additional charges: 1. Any persons whom infract upon this, will also be charges with an intrusion of Solitude, a form of an invasion of privacy. 2. Any persons whom is involved with lewd conduct, within the protest will be charged with Disturbance of the Peace on top of protesting within 300 feet during a cemetery, funeral home, funeral procession, wake, memorial service, or burial, 60 minutes of, during or 60 minutes after. 3. Any persons caught protesting on the land of said Cemetery/funeral home within 60 minutes of, during, or 60 minutes after will be charged with trespassing as well. 204 B: A BILL TO LIMIT FINANCIAL CHARITY Sponsored by: Senator Conrad Jacober of Seven Hills Upper School Representative Anushree Vora of Seven Hills Upper School Private or public alms giving, better known as “charity,” is ultimately harmful to its beneficiaries. Indeed, charity often only provides a psychological respite to its benefactors. More grievously, charity fails to address poverty at its source, minimizing its importance in the minds of “charitable” Americans. Poverty is more adequately addressed by funding infrastructure as well as social services, which empower the downtrodden to find employment and educational opportunities. Charity, on the other hand, entrenches a systemic problem as it perpetuates the state of poverty by failing to politicize the issue and bring its true solution. Rather, charity merely gives a farce of a solution by satiating the problem in the minds of those who could solve it. 35 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Any person making a donation on a personal or business level will be fined $300. Section 2. The federal government will provide adequate funding for social services such as food pantries and homeless shelters in place of previous charity. 205 B: A BILL TO IMPLEMENT A COLLEGE PLAYOFF SYSTEM Sponsored by: Senator Raghav Desai of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Jimmy Kang of Dublin Coffman High School The current system accepted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) allows the BCS to compute its own rankings and therefore allows the top two teams in the nation to compete for a national championship and the remaining teams to either be selected by their ranking in each respected conference or by the decision of the President of any four bowl games. This system is unfair and allows discrimination against talented yet small teams rather than selecting teams by talent. The fairest way to conduct this would be to implement a playoff system where a truly talented team will prevail and will have deserved its placement. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Bowl Championship Series and National Collegiate Athletic Association form a playoff system that allows the top 25 teams in the country along with 7 teams that receive votes by the BCS but do not make the top 25, to be divided up into two divisions of 16 for playoff games. Section 2. The top 32 teams will be determined by record, rank in conference, strength of schedule, and by rank according to the BCS. Section 3. Playoff games will begin exactly one week after the final NCAA college football game of the season. 16 games will be played during the first week, 8 during the second week, 4 games during the third week and 2 games during the last week. Between the last week and the national championship there will be a week-long gap. Section 4. The four games (consisting of 8 teams) will be played at each of the respected BCS bowl game locations, and the national championship game will be played at one BCS bowl game location. Each BCS bowl game will have the chance to host the national championship once every four years. 206 B: A BILL TO REEVALUATE FEMA’S DISASTER PROTOCOLS Sponsored by: Senator Sam Mather of Naperville North High School Representative Will Donnelly of Naperville North High School The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) needs to reassess their disaster protocols in order to meet new ecological, technological, and political realities. The organization has outdated protocols designed to meet problems of the past. The environment of the world has changed, and in response, FEMA needs to worry less about foreign nuclear attacks, and more about ecological disasters stemming from climate change or rogue nations like North Korea. Also, our nation needs to prepare for technological disasters. A sudden loss of power throughout the nation would be catastrophic. With our nation’s increased reliance on electronics, we need to plan for disasters accordingly. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The government of the United States require that FEMA address its faults and form an action plan, tailored to the current political, technological, and ecological issues of the United States, and to the future success of the country, by the summer of 2011. 207 B: BIILL TO SUPPORT EDUCATED IMMIGRANTS Sponsored by: Senator Vikram Ramesh of Neuqua Valley High School Representative Krishna Yarramasu of Neuqua Valley High School Each year, there are hundreds of thousands of overseas students accepted into United States universities, which rank among the top in the world. Among these are highly skilled individuals that could greatly benefit the skill of the US labor force. Unfortunately, many of these highly skilled workers have difficultly acquiring jobs in the United States since they have no permanent residence like many of their peers may have. Therefore, to ensure that students who complete an education in one of America’s top universities, we must provide an incentive in order for them to stay in the United States and keep their skills here rather than take their skills outside the country. 36 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Students that graduate in the top 25% of their class from an institution certified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be offered a green card (permanent residence). Section 2. The bill applies to a student that completes any degree (bachelors, graduate, etc.) in a United States University. Section 3. The USCIS has the right to revoke the green card of all those who are unable to find a job after a period of 6 months. Section 4. Upon passage, this bill would go into effect at the start of the Fall Semester school term. 208 B: A BILL TO ENSNARE MANY BENEFITS ARISING FROM REAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES Sponsored by: Senator Sam Tauke of Lake Forest High School Representative Andrew Trandai of Lake Forest High School The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is the main contributor behind PBS and its associated programs, including some of the most successful children's shows in history. Sadly, federal funding for the CPB has all but dried up, given the advent of private entertainment channels which receive much higher ratings while turning our children's brains to mush. By tripling funding for the CPB, we can bring the magic of shows like Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood and Sesame Street back to the children who need them most. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All importation of goods and products that contribute less than a predetermined amount to the national GDP and that can be produced by domestic industries hereby be banned. Section 2. The goods be defined as any goods, resources, or materials that originate in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii, and contribute less than 10 billion dollars to the national GDP. Section 3. Products be defined as any products that are assembled or created in the continental United States, Alaska ,or Hawaii that contribute less than 5 billion dollars to the national GDP. Section 4. A tax increase of 2% be placed on all other imports to fund the enforcement of this bill. Section 5. All existing laws and tariffs regarding the export of goods or resources not be altered by this legislation. Section 6. Every three years the bill be reviewed by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), which will advice Congress on any changes that should be made to the GDP requirements, how industries should be grouped, and/or if the bill is still necessary. Section 7. Every three years, the bill be reviewed by Congress. Section 8. The bill will take effect January 1, 2013. Section 9. The bill be enforced by the FTC and the Department of State. Section 10. All laws in conflict with this bill be hereby declared null and void. 209 B: RESOLUTION TO INTEGRATE THE METRIC SYTEM INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Alessia Pizzorni of Miami Beach Senior High School Representative Juan Aljure of Miami Beach Senior High School Whereas: The metric system is used in the majority of the G10 countries and; Whereas: The metric system will facilitate commerce and maintain the position of the U.S. as an economic power and; Whereas: American students leaving the Imperial system and trying to compete in a world that uses the metric system will be at a competitive disadvantage and; 37 Whereas: The scientific world only uses the metric system. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Department of Education shall require all public schools to supplement and phase in the metric system into curriculum within five years. Section 2. The Department of Commerce and The Treasury Department shall first issue regulations to all American and International companies trading with the United States, clear guidelines for the new metric regulations. Companies/Countries that trade in any manner with the United States shall require to have joint measurements for two years with a phase in after the aforementioned period. Section 3. Legal consideration shall be sought to interpret this transition and a subcommittee shall be formed in order to provide an implementable working guideline to be fully adopted within 2 years of initiation. 210 B: A BILL TO REGULATE CONFLICT MINERALS FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Sponsored by: Senator Greg Bernstein of Nova High School Representative Sameer Bansal of Naperville North High School Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. FINDINGS. A. Many electronic devices sold in the United States contain minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold purchased from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. B. The sale of these so-called “conflict minerals” directly funds violent conflict within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, claiming more than 45,000 lives per month. Armed groups routinely kill indigenous populations to clear the land for resource mining. Section 2. THE PROHIBITION OF SALE OF CONFLICT MINERALS. A. The sale of any item composed of or containing tin, tantalum, tungsten and/or gold originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is prohibited within the United States. Section 3. CONFLICT-FREE MINERAL SUPPLIER LIST. A. The Department of Commerce shall devise a regulatory system to assess and ensure the compliance of “mineral suppliers” with the prohibition outlined in Sec. 2. The particulars of this system shall be committed to the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. B. The Secretary of Commerce shall publish, no fewer than four (4) times per year, a list of mineral suppliers compliant with the regulatory system outlined in Sec. 3(A). Those suppliers found to operate in compliance with the regulation shall receive a certification of “Conflict-Free Mineral Supplier.” C. The purchase of tin, tantalum, tungsten and/or gold from any mineral supply company NOT found on the “Conflict-Free Mineral Supplier” list is prohibited. D. “Mineral supplier” shall mean any entity engaged in the sale, purchase or other exchange of raw or processed minerals to any party for the purposes of manufacturing, resale, ownership, or other use. Section 4. Any corporation, government, citizen, or entity doing business within the United States found to be in violation of the prohibitions outlined in Sec. 2 and Sec. 3(C) shall be subject to a fine of $100,000 (US) per ounce of mineral purchased, sold, or otherwise exchanged, Section 5. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security shall coordinate, devise, and enforce any and all necessary regulations pursuant to the prohibitions outlined in Sec. 2 and Sec. 3. Section 6. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. 38 HOUSE & SENATE C HOUSE C SENATE C Frank Zhao of Naperville Central HS, Chair Braden Smith of C. Leon King HS, Clerk Rep. Sarah Bonnewell of Mooresville HS, Chair Monica Mehta of Western Reserve Academy, Clerk Rep. Karthik Bala Naperville North H.S. Rep. David Boesche New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Alli Byers Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Justine Cardenas King H.S. Rep. Ann Carracher St. Peter's H.S. Rep. Grace Caudill Danville H.S. Rep. William Farrar Bexley H.S. Rep. Mark Gaughan Neuqua Valley H.S. Rep. Gabrielle Gentile Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Andrew Jansen Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Arjun Jindal Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Rachael Jones Fairfield H.S. Rep. Karli Jordan Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Perrin Lampe Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Jonathan Lehrman Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Jj Lehrman Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Thomas Lightfoot-vidal IMSA Rep. Jon Luskin Middleton H.S. Rep. Jasmine Maldonado Vernon Hills HS Rep. Kristia Money Badin H.S. Rep. Monique Montoute Academy At The Lakes Rep. Ryanne Olsen Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Elisabet Ortiz Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Sabeel Qureshi Lakota East H.S. Rep. Kylee Radulovich Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Julio Romero Idea Academy Rep. Mahir Sharif Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Shin Su Naples H.S. Rep. Alex Thompson Academy At The Lakes Rep. Amanda Toy Crestline H.S. Rep. Jordan Van dyke Avon H.S. Rep. Nathan Van Patten Franklin High School Rep. Antonios Varelas Naperville North H.S. Rep. Megan Walusiak Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Nikki Wampler Mooresville H.S. Rep. Lindsey Wirtz Western Reserve Academy Rep. Karri Wise Mooresville H.S. Rep. Nick Wittenbrook Union Local H.S. Rep. Valerie Zaleski Franklin H.S. Sen. Melissa Aydogan Indian Hill H.S. Sen. Rachael Collins Lloyd H.S. Sen. Saahil Desai Indian Hill H.S. Sen. Amanda Epstein Miami Beach Senior H.S. Sen. Zachary Gold Naperville North H.S. Sen. Evan Grifith Houghton H.S. Sen. Ethan Jones Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Sen. Mei lun Jue Naperville North H.S. Sen. Rebecca Knauss Lloyd H.S. Sen. Chloe Mansell Academy At The Lakes Sen. Nigel Miller Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Megan Morley Greenfield Central H.S. Sen. Ayse Muratoglu Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Victoria Nguyen Pickerington H.S. Sen. Theresa Novak Naples H.S. Sen. Emily Phillis Troy H.S. Sen. Justin Ramos Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Casey Rhines Franklin High School Sen. Adham Sahloul Universal School Sen. Zack Sander Badin H.S. Sen. Grant Sharratt Fairfield H.S. Sen. Michael Smith Mooresville H.S. Sen. Wei Su Naples H.S. Sen. Richard Tarr Lynchburg-Clay H.S. Sen. Katerina Weber Academy At The Lakes Sen. Jeffrey Zhao IMSA 39 HOUSE & SENATE C LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 301 C: A BILL TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION Sponsored by: Senator Megan Morley of Greenfield-Central High School Representative Karli Jordan of Greenfield-Central High School 302 C: AN AMENDMENT TO REGULATE THE EXTENT OF PEOPLE WHO CAN ATTAIN CITIZENSHIP Sponsored by: Senator Monica Mehta of Western Reserve Academy Representative Cynthia Pardo of Western Reserve Academy 303 C: A BILL TO LOWER THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE ON ALL US MILITARY BASES Sponsored by: Senator Richard Tarr of Lynchburg-Clay High School Representative William Farrar of Bexley High School 304 C: A RESOLUTION TO STABILIZE THE QUOTA ON SKILLED IMMIGRATION VISAS Sponsored by: Senator Saahil Desai: Indian Hill Senator Melissa Aydogan: Indian Hill Representative Arjun Jindal: Indian Hill Representative Mahir Sharif: Indian Hill Representative Perrin Lampe: Indian Hill 305 C: A BILL TO BAN PUBLIC TANNING BEDS Sponsored by: Senator Rebecca Knauss of Lloyd Memorial High School Representative Lejna Ramic of Lloyd Memorial High School 306 C: A RESOLUTION TO SECURE ENERGY AND HUMAN ORIENTED LOGISTICS IN A POSTOBLITERATION SITUATION Sponsored by: Senator Zachary Gold of Naperville North High School Senator Praneeth Tripuraneni of Naperville North High School Representative Jack Carbonara of Naperville North High School 307 C: A BILL TO LICENSE BREEDING Sponsored by: Senator Michael Smith of Mooresville High School Representative Nikki Wampler of Mooresville High School Representative Karri Wise of Mooresville High School 308 C: A BILL TO DISSUADE DISCRIMINATION Sponsored by: Senator Casey Rhines from Franklin High School Representative Nathan Van Patten from Franklin High School 309 C: A BILL TO LEGALIZE THE USE OF WATERBOARDING TO INTERROGATE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS Sponsored by: Senator Theresa Novak from Naples High School Senator Wei Su from Naples High School Representative Shin Su from Naples High School 310 C: A BILL TO EXPAND COMBINED DNA INDEX SYSTEM, WHO IS ADDED INTO IT, AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR Sponsored by: Senator Amanda Epstein of Miami Beach Senior High School Representative Jonathan Lehrman of Miami Beach Senior High School *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 310.C. 40 301 C: A BILL TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION Sponsored by: Senator Megan Morley of Greenfield-Central High School Representative Karli Jordan of Greenfield-Central High School Currently, the United States is the only nation in the world to put significant restrictions on the amounts of domestic oil and natural gas that we can explore and exploit. Oil and natural gas prices are three times higher than the levels they were at when the policies and restrictions were first enacted. Imports from foreign nations have increased in response to higher energy demand. This creates rising prices and cartels on oil and natural gas because of higher dependence on foreign oil despite the fact the United States has vast untapped resources of oil and natural gas. Oil drilling and refining has become much safer in the years since the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill of 1989 making the chances of another big accident slim to none. The quickest way to lower gas prices and decrease our foreign dependence on oil is by eliminating the restrictions on energy production. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The American offshore drilling bans be lifted. Section 2. Congress revise its policies toward domestic energy production. 302 C: AN AMENDMENT TO REGULATE THE EXTENT OF PEOPLE WHO CAN ATTAIN CITIZENSHIP Sponsored by: Senator Monica Mehta of Western Reserve Academy Representative Cynthia Pardo of Western Reserve Academy Today in America, many illegal immigrants cross the border and give birth on American soil. These children are now considered citizens of the United States of America and have the rights attributed to such. It is often speculated that this is unjust because in numerous cases the parents of these children are not deported due to the fact that they have children who have citizenship in the United States. Be it amended by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, upon approval of 3/4 of the States, that: Section 1. A child born to non-United States citizens on American soil will not be granted United States citizenship. 303 C: A BILL TO LOWER THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE ON ALL US MILITARY BASES Sponsored by: Senator Richard Tarr of Lynchburg-Clay High School Representative William Farrar of Bexley High School The young adults who serve their country everyday are mature and responsible Americans. These soldiers are asked to be prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms and rights of the citizens of the United States America. The same soldiers we have determined are old enough to serve are being denied the opportunity to make a mature decision concerning the consumption of alcohol. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. This act permit’s the military to have jurisdiction over the drinking age on military installation. Section 2. This act will ensure the soldiers are given the right to make a choice concerning the consumption of alcohol on military installations. Section 3. This act would allow someone to purchase alcohol with a valid military ID where ever alcohol is served or sold. 304 C: A RESOLUTION TO STABILIZE THE QUOTA ON SKILLED IMMIGRATION VISAS. Sponsored by: Senator Saahil Desai: Indian Hill Senator Melissa Aydogan: Indian Hill Representative Arjun Jindal: Indian Hill Representative Mahir Sharif: Indian Hill Representative Perrin Lampe: Indian Hill 41 The current Immigration and Nationality Act, is a flawed system that attempts to restrict the number of educated workers entering the United States of America annually. In the prevailing situation, ten thousand resident visas are meted out each year to aliens from each country in the world. Therefore, scarcely populated countries such as Iceland and Mongolia have the same amount of visas as populous countries such as China and India. Whereas: The current immigration system is flawed and doesn’t best provide America with the most highly-qualified skilled immigrants; and Whereas: There is evidence that certain jobs are not being met by the domestic labor pool. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that: Section 1. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services needs to raise the global quota for skilled labor rather than tie it to the demographic or economic characteristics of particular countries Section 2. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should base immigration on the most qualified applicants, regardless of the country. 305 C: A BILL TO BAN PUBLIC TANNING BEDS Sponsored by: Senator Rebecca Knauss of Lloyd Memorial High School Representative Lejna Ramic of Lloyd Memorial High School Many people are already aware of the dangers of tanning, but are not taking them seriously. When someone uses a tanning bed, they are subjecting themselves to twelve times more ultraviolet radiation than those who tan in the sun. They are also seven times more likely to develop a melanoma cancer, the deadliest type of skin cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer and World Health Organization recently moved ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds from the Group II list (being less of a threat) of the most carcinogenic forms of radiation to Group I with radon, plutonium and solar radiation. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Tanning beds will not be available to be rented. Section 2. Tanning salons still running after January 1, 2013 will be immediately closed and the owner will be fined $10,000. If the owner opens another tanning salon, the salon will be reclosed and the owner will be arrested. A tanning salon will be described as any place, even a private residence, that is allowing people to use a tanning bed with compensation. Section 3. Tanning salons currently in business will have the option to sell the tanning beds for private use or hospital use. The buildings being used as salons will be sold by the owner. If the space is being rented, it will be back up to be rented by the owner for a different purpose. Section 4. Tanning beds privately owned will still be allowed to be bought and used. Section 5. Hospitals will be permitted to have tanning beds for patient use only. The patient must have a prescription to use the tanning beds. 306 C: A RESOLUTION TO SECURE ENERGY AND HUMAN ORIENTED LOGISTICS IN A POSTOBLITERATION SITUATION Sponsored by: Senator Zachary Gold of Naperville North High School Senator Praneeth Tripuraneni of Naperville North High School Representative Josie Dalton of Naperville North High School Representative Jack Carbonara of Naperville North High School Whereas: Many apocalyptic scenarios may occur in America’s future, including but not limited to: 2012, A Zombie Apocalypse, Abraham Lincoln’s Fabled Return from the East, Ragnarok, the Catholic Apocalypse, and Global Warming; and Whereas: The constitution guarantees “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”; and 42 Whereas: Humanity can and should harden itself in preparation for one of the aforementioned apocalyptic scenarios; and Whereas: After an apocalypse, cannibal propelled slave land-craft will be the only feasible method of survival. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The United States government should invest in the land-craft and other relevant technologies. Section 2. Land-craft makers be chosen by IQ testing, and have a minimum score of 125, so as to guarantee a bright and scientific life in the post-apocalyptic wasteland that America will invariably become. 307 C: A BILL TO LICENSE BREEDING Sponsored by: Senator Sarah Bonnewell of Mooresville High School Representative Nikki Wampler of Mooresville High School Often in today’s society, parents are ill prepared to raise children. A child with parents who are not fit to do so are far more likely than their peers to fall into crime, drugs, and unemployment later in life. Parents should know what being a parent requires far before they have their children. Therefore, there should be an aptitude test for parenting. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. In order to be a parent, one be required to pass this test. Section 2. The contents of the test include a safety awareness portion, psychiatric evaluations, job requirements, and different sections relating to the care of a child. Section 3. If parents bear children without passing the test, they be fined until the test is passed or until they can prove that they are capable of taking care of children. Section 4. A background check be administered with the test. Section 5. A tax rebate be written to parents passing the test on their first attempts. Section 6. In order to adopt, one must be required to pass the test as the biological parent would. Section 7. Couples, married or otherwise, both be required to pass the test. Section 8. Social services evaluate couples on a random, yet frequent basis. Section 9. Social Services also administer and regulate background checks on these evaluations. 308 C: A BILL TO DISSUADE DISCRIMINATION Sponsored by: Senator Casey Rhines from Franklin High School Representative Nathan Van Patten from Franklin High School Discrimination due to sexual orientation or preference is still rife in society, as exemplified by the Boy Scouts of America. The organization has stated that it believes allowing a gay man to serve in a position of leadership within the organization goes against the very foundations of the organization. As a harbinger of hate, the Boy Scouts must not be allowed to discriminate any longer. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that: Section 1. The tax exemption under 26USC Section 501C3 not be available to the Boy Scouts of America if they espouse policies that permit the discrimination against any individual’s sexual orientation, transgender individuals, and/or cross dressers. Section 2. No federal funds be used to support the Boy Scouts of America or its activities and/or programs if they espouse policies permitting the discrimination against any individual’s sexual orientation, transgender individuals, and/or cross dressers. 43 Section 3. The organization may, at its own discretion, limit adult memberships to individuals who are parents/guardians of a youth member and/or were a former member of the Boy Scouts of America. 309 C: A BILL TO LEGALIZE THE USE OF WATERBOARDING TO INTERROGATE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS Sponsored by: Senator Theresa Novak from Naples High School Senator Wei Su from Naples High School Representative Shin Su from Naples High School The act of interrogation is by nature and definition acts of cohesion, and the subject being questioned is an enemy combatant with suspected knowledge and/or information that will assist the United States’ military in defeating the enemy. There is ample evidence to demonstrate that the techniques are effective and will save many, perhaps thousands of lives by gaining vital information and intelligence from the suspects under interrogation. America faces an enemy determined to destroy and undermine us and our way of life. These terrorist have no country responsible for their actions, no laws or conversions to which we can appeal or bring sanction, and who all swear that their beliefs require them to indiscriminately kill and destroy as many Americans as possible. This bill will help protect our nation and its people against terrorism. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Waterboarding will be classified as a form of enhanced interrogation against suspected terrorists and detainees of war, instead of a form of torture. Section 2. President Barack Obama’s executive order passed in 2009 making waterboarding illegal is hereby repealed. 310 C: A BILL TO EXPAND AND REGULATE COMBINED DNA INDEX SYSTEM Sponsored by: Senator Amanda Epstein of Miami Beach Senior High School Representative Jonathan Lehrman of Miami Beach Senior High School The current Combined DNA Index System is used by police organizations and the United States government in the cataloging of convicted criminals. The DNA samples logged into CODIS can be used for identifying victims or confirming suspects in the investigation of a crime. The only downfall to CODIS is that only convicted criminals, people suspected of crimes and some civilians have their DNA in the system. By collecting a DNA sample from every person living in or born in the United States henceforth and inputting into CODIS the system would act as a powerful deterrent for future criminals and a better tool to determine victims. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 shall be amended to allow the entry of all civilian DNA into the database. Section 2. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 shall be amended to allow the entry of personal information into CODIS. Section 3. The federal government will establish an agency responsible for collecting the DNA of all United States citizens and any children born in the United States. 44 HOUSE & SENATE D HOUSE D SENATE D Kat Emunds of Coral Springs Christian HS, Chair Cassie Seneff of Union Local HS, Clerk Chelsea Tanksley of Bexley HS, Chair Bethanie Brown of Union Local HS, Clerk Rep. Margaret Bender Avon H.S. Rep. Meredith Berger The Benjamin School Rep. Mickayla Binion Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Janice Bonsu Pickerington H.S. Rep. Doniya Cardenas King H.S. Rep. AJ Carlson Academy At The Lakes. Rep. Anna Closser Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Natalie Davison Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Josh Dingus Benedictine H.S. Rep. Nick Fattore Naperville North H.S. Rep. Erin Froehlich Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Molly Garberich Crestline H.S. Rep. Shana Glasgow Union Local H.S. Rep. Hillary Goldsmith Seven Hills Upper School Rep. Tanna Green Fairfield H.S. Rep. Katelynn Hansen Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Shelby Heck Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Victor Huebner Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Ashley Jencen Lakota East H.S. Rep. Hannah Jones Mooresville H.S. Rep. Akram Khaja Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. PJ Kiernan New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Daniel Li Naperville North H.S. Rep. Brian Lombardi Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Samuel Maier Middleton H.S. Rep. Kearstin Mains Lloyd H.S. Rep. Michael Melko Miamisburg H.S. Rep. Russell Meurer Danville H.S. Rep. Carly Naughton Neuqua Valley H.S. Rep. Mariana Pena Idea Academy Rep. Drew Pierce Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Paul Radke Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Jacqueline Roig Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Amy Secosh Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Jesse Soutar Troy H.S. Rep. Katie Thomas Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Rohit Tota Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Max Trombley Franklin H.S. Rep. Lilly Wang Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Dalton White Union Local H.S. Rep. Renqing Wu Houghton H.S. Rep. Jenny Zavatsky Vernon Hills HS Sen. Liz Becker Indian Hill H.S. Sen. Clint Brodar Benedictine H.S. Sen. Austin Cantrell Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Kyle Casteel Mooresville H.S. Sen. Alex Dabertin Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Jeff Ehrhardt Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Ian Figures Houghton H.S. Sen. Veronica Garcia Idea Academy Sen. Daniel Going Greenfield Central H.S. Sen. Jeff Hackett Mooresville H.S. Sen. Ally Jendruczak Miamisburg H.S. Sen. Siyu Liu Pickerington H.S. Sen. Matthew McCormick Lakota East H.S. Sen. Allyson Mcintosh Miamisburg H.S. Sen. Huyen Nguyen Vernon Hills HS Sen. John Parsons Pickerington H.S. Sen. Arpan Rau Naperville North H.S. Sen. Elena Sakelaris Naperville North H.S. Sen. Justin Skaggs Indian Hill H.S. Sen. Rachel Stump Troy H.S. Sen. Emily Weaver Arrowhead H.S. Sen. April Weidenbenner Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Samantha Wolf Fairfield H.S. Sen. Marco Zamora Naples H.S. Sen. Conor Zhang Academy At The Lakes Sen. Scott Zhou Dobyns-Bennett H.S. 45 HOUSE & SENATE D LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 401 D: AN AMENDMENT TO ABOLISH THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND REPLACE IT WITH A NATIONAL RETAIL SALES TAX Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Going of Greenfield-Central High School Representative Shelby Heck of Greenfield-Central High School 402 D: A BILL TO REMOVE INFORMATION OF RACE, ETHNICITY, AND RELIGION FROM ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Sponsored by: Senator Siyu Liu of Pickerington High School Representative Janice Bonsu of Pickerington High School 403 D: A BILL TO BAN THE SERVING OF ARTIFICIALLY PRODUCED TRANS FATS IN RESTAURANT FOOD Sponsored By: Senator Allyson McIntosh of Miamisburg High School Senator Ally Jendruzack of Miamisburg High School Representative Michael Melko of Miamisburg High School 404 D: A BILL TO LEGALIZE SAME SEX MARRIAGES Sponsored by: Senator Liz Becker of Indian Hill High School Representative Erin Froehlich of Indian Hill High School Representative Anna Closser of Indian Hill High School Representative Katie Thomas of Indian Hill High School 405 D: A BILL TO REDUCE TAXATION ON OVERTIME HOURS Sponsored by: Senator Shana Glasgow of Union Local High School Representative Cassie Seneff of Union Local High School 406 D: A BILL TO KILL THE PARTIES Sponsored by: Senator Arpan Rau of Naperville North High School Representative Daniel Li of Naperville North High School 407 D: A BILL TO DISSOLVE THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Sponsored by: Senator Kyle Casteel of Mooresville High School Representative Hannah Jones of Mooresville High School 408 D: A BILL TO ARM THE AMERICAN CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Jeff Ehrhardt of Arrowhead High School Representative Paul Radke of Arrowhead High School Representative Victor Huebner of Arrowhead High School 409 D: A BILL TO BAN ABORTION ON DEMAND Sponsored by: Senator Austin Cantrell of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Jacqueline Roig of Coral Springs Christian Academy 410 D: A BILL TO FORTIFY AGAINST INTRUDERS Sponsored by: Senator Ian Figureres of Houghton High School Representative Renqing Wu of Houghton High School *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 410.D. 46 401 D: AN AMENDMENT TO ABOLISH THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND REPLACE IT WITH A NATIONAL RETAIL SALES TAX Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Going of Greenfield-Central High School Representative Shelby Heck of Greenfield-Central High School The Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to enact an income tax. However, there are several problems to the Federal Income Tax System in that it is incredibly complex and requires an enormous expensive federal bureaucracy in order to run it. $10 billion is required just to run the IRS and $265 billion is required just to be able to follow the tax code. The Fair Tax Act would address and alleviate these concerns by eliminating all federal income taxes, payroll taxes, gift taxes, and estate taxes and replacing them with a national retail sales tax of 23%. Be it amended by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, and approved upon approval of 3/4 of the States, that: Section 1. The sixteenth amendment to the constitution be repealed. Section 2. All federal income taxes, payroll taxes, gift taxes, and estate taxes be abolished and replaced by a federal retail sales tax to be administered by existing state sales tax authorities. Section 3. A monthly prebate payment be given to all family households of lawful U.S. Residents of tax on purchases up to the poverty level. Section 4. After three years the Internal Revenue Service be removed and replaced by an Excise Tax Bureau and a Sales Tax Bureau in the Department of the Treasury. 402 D: A BILL TO REMOVE INFORMATION OF RACE, ETHNICITY, AND RELIGION FROM ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Sponsored by: Senator Siyu Liu of Pickerington High School Representative Janice Bonsu of Pickerington High School Currently, without doubt, college applications require applicants to reveal their race, ethnicity, and religion. Nonetheless, this can pose some serious discriminatory cases, where some students have unfair advantages over others. Removing these aspects is to annul bias on accepting students. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All colleges will be forbidden to ask for one’s race. Section 2. All colleges will be forbidden to ask for one’s ethnicity. Section 3. All colleges will be forbidden ask for one’s religion. 403 D: A BILL TO BAN THE SERVING OF ARTIFICIALLY PRODUCED TRANS FATS IN RESTAURANT FOOD Sponsored By: Senator Allyson McIntosh of Miamisburg High School Senator Ally Jendruzack of Miamisburg High School Representative Michael Melko of Miamisburg High School Trans fat is an artificially produced fat which contributes to a growing epidemic of obesity. Banning the serving of artificially produced trans fat will reduce the amount of health problems such as type 2 diabetes and continue the trend of eliminating trans fat that some reformers have had success with. Eliminating the use of trans fat could significantly decrease the chance that unhealthy children could be diagnosed with type II diabetes and other health problems, as most doctors agree that trans fat is the worst type of fat and not uncommon among items that children, and other adults consume. As the fast food craze in America grows, it is irrefutable fact that obesity rates and health issues are in direct correlation. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: 47 Section 1. Following ten years from the enactment of this bill, all food sold by restaurant establishments cannot have more than .25 grams of trans fat. Section 2. After ten years of the passage of this bill, health inspectors who complete routine checks of such restaurant establishments will test trans fat rates. Those over the limit will be sanctioned and fined $25 per .25 grams over the limit. Section 3. Any business that voluntarily submits to testing before 10 years pass and make the grade of trans fat expectations, will be given a tax break until said business either fails to pass another inspection or when the ten year grace period elapses. 404 D: A BILL TO LEGALIZE SAME SEX MARRIAGES Sponsored by: Senator Liz Becker of Indian Hill High School Representative Erin Froehlich of Indian Hill High School Representative Anna Closser of Indian Hill High School Representative Katie Thomas of Indian Hill High School Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Gay marriage should be made lawful in all 50 states. This law, if enacted, will allow for same sex couples to enjoy all the benefits and coverage experienced in a marriage. Each couple will receive the right to partner benefits in any formal or informal situation. Section 2. This law impacts all couples over the age of 18, as well as those with parental/ guardian consent. The government will fund this law directly. Section 3. This law is to be enacted upon 90 days of its passage from Congress. 405 D: A BILL TO REDUCE TAXATION ON OVERTIME HOURS Sponsored by: Senator Shana Glasgow of Union Local High School Representative Cassie Seneff of Union Local High School With the economy in the United States hitting a new low, people across the nation have been working extra hours to survive. Many on a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. The sound of “time and a half” (your regular wage plus half) or perhaps even “double pay” (being paid twice as much per hour) may at first sound fantastic to the worker. However, these extra and most often voluntary hours are still being taxed at the highest possible rate. In most cases, if an employee spends eight hours of their free time at work, the government will be taking away approximately three and a half hours of pay through tax. With that proportion going to the government, why work and why try? The answer should be obvious. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. There be a different tax for overtime hours, lower than that of regular. Section 2. Bonuses, being classified as a reward, not mandatory payment in return for work (be tax exempt). Section 3. Any employee who works and pays taxes for a 40-hour work week shall not pay the same percentage of tax on income earned at a second job if the income earned is less than the primary income. 406 D: A BILL TO KILL THE PARTIES Sponsored by: Senator Arpan Rau of Naperville North High School Representative Daniel Li of Naperville North High School The two-party system has created a political climate where citizens and politicians do not do what they feel is right, but instead what will get them the most power within their party. What's more, the two party climate divides our country and limits our ability to rule effectively. Therefore, the United States should disallow elected officials from associating themselves with a political party. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: 48 Section 1. Elected officials be disallowed to associate themselves with a political party. Section 2. Any elected official who associates him/herself with a political party be disqualified from elections and declared unable to hold office. Section 3. All laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. Section 4. This bill go into effect upon the start of the 2012 Fiscal Year. 407 D: A BILL TO DISSOLVE THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Sponsored by: Senator Kyle Casteel of Mooresville High School Representative Hannah Jones of Mooresville High School The CIA was founded in 1947 for the purpose of conducting espionage behind enemy lines, ensuring America’s safety during future. In modern times, however, the Agency has abused its power, violating domestic and international law through surveillance, torture, and grotesque drug experiments. The CIA must be dissolved before it can do more harm to the American people. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and all of its programs be immediately dissolved. Section 2. Matters of national security that were once handled by the CIA now be handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency (NSA). 408 D: A BILL TO ARM THE AMERICAN CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Jeff Ehrhardt of Arrowhead High School Representative Paul Radke of Arrowhead High School Representative Victor Huebner of Arrowhead High School This bill seeks to mimic the policies currently in place in Switzerland in order to ensure the U.S. be safe from any possible domestic attack. With our national defense secure, we will be able to drastically reduce U.S. military presence in foreign countries, saving billions of taxpayer dollars for use within our own country. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that: Section 1. Military service in a militia be mandatory for all American citizens from ages 21 to 40. Section 2. Clerical work be allowed for individuals who are within the upper age groups and for those who are physically disabled or unfit for active service. Section 3. Mandatory recertification of officers occur every five years. Section 4. The government issue assault rifles to all enlisted members of the citizens’ militia force with yearly governmental inspection of all weapons and ammunition. Section 5. All enlisted members be called to active duty if the U.S. homeland come under attack. 409 D: A BILL TO BAN ABORTION ON DEMAND Sponsored by: Senator Austin Cantrell of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Jacqueline Roig of Coral Springs Christian Academy In light of modern science and ultrasound technology, it has become evident that life begins in the womb. Abortion is the unjust taking of an innocent human life and should be banned in the United States. Less than 2% of abortions take place from rape, incest, or 49 protecting the life of the mother. In the spirit of legislative compromise and from the excessive trauma these situations result in, exceptions may be made in these cases. Modern science and common sense morality, however, does not allow this Congress to look away from protecting the life of millions of unborn children who are the future of the United States of America. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Effective immediately, abortion should be outlawed throughout the United States. Section 2. Exceptions may be made in cases of rape and incest, or if the mother’s life is at risk. 410 D: A BILL TO FORTIFY AGAINST INTRUDERS Sponsored by: Senator Ian Figureres of Houghton High School Representative Renqing Wu of Houghton High School The current population of illegal immigrants in the United States has peaked at estimated 10.75 million persons, and the cost to support these illegal immigrants, including federal, state, and local services, is as high as $113 billion (The Dept. of Homeland Security). The support that governments of all levels involuntarily present for the illegal immigrants in our country is not only taking a toll on our economy, but also decreasing the benefits that legal immigrants, permanent residents, and citizens of the United States receive. With our economy not yet strengthen to its peak, we, as a country, cannot afford increased unemployment rate for legal workers, increased criminal activities that results in the inability to meet justice, and tolerate what is morally wrong. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Federal, state, and local services and aid, be restricted from illegal immigrants, including, but not limited to, health care, social security, public education, and unemployment aid. Section 2. The citizenship of a child to an illegal immigrant who was born in the U.S. reside with that of his or her parents, not automatic citizenship to the U.S. Section 3. All established businesses found hiring illegal immigrants submit 30% of their average annual revenue to the federal government. Section 4. This bill will go in effect 90 days after passing. 50 HOUSE & SENATE E HOUSE E SENATE E Billy Gregg of Lake Forest HS, Chair Kirtana Ramadugu of Avon HS, Clerk Heidi Gentis of Miamisburg HS, Chair Connor Spielmaker of Naples HS, Clerk Rep. Camron Bagheri Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Thomas Biery Firelands H.S. Rep. Nick Bolton Badin H.S. Rep. Jena Braden New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Adam Burshan Naperville North H.S. Rep. Jamie Corey The Benjamin School Rep. Natalie Davison Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Javi Delgado Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Collin Denbow Benedictine H.S. Rep. Brigitte Desautels Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Andrew Gilchrist-Scott Middleton H.S. Rep. Adrienne Harreveld Alex Dreyfoos School of the Arts Rep. Kate Harsh Seven Hills Upper School Rep. Chris Hill Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Ruben James Lawrence Free State H.S. Rep. Joshua Kosoglaz Vernon Hills HS Rep. Victor Leon Union Local H.S. Rep. Lindsey Lewis Danville H.S. Rep. Christine Liu Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Portia Mastin Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Samantha Mathews Crestline H.S. Rep. Sarah Mehanna Wayzata H.S. Rep. Tobias Mielke Naperville North H.S. Rep. Alec Mortenson Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Brian Payne Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Allie Perry Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Angelo Porchetta Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Anish Reddy Academy At The Lakes Rep. Anna Salvati Crestline H.S. Rep. Dustin Sexton Lloyd H.S. Rep. Clay Sharb Avon Lake H.S. Rep. Fariha Siddiqui Danville H.S. Rep. Kevin Spring King H.S. Rep. Kassandra Tafolla Idea Academy Rep. Sara Tamizuddin Springfield H.S. Rep. Josh Thomas Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Daniel Umhoefer Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Bri Venturo Rockford H.S. Rep. Richard Wang Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Jason Wetzel Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Ali Winter Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Danielle Wright Troy H.S. Sen. Tia Arvaneh Academy At The Lakes Sen. Sarah Asad Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Gabriel Blanco Seven Hills Upper School Sen. Melanie Boll Avon H.S. Sen. Amerigo Caffo King H.S. Sen. Leon Cai Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Kevin Cardonne Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Moya Chen Vernon Hills HS Sen. Shawn Goggins Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Josh Griffith Benedictine H.S. Sen. Daniel Kinsley Firelands H.S. Sen. Michael Lakomy Badin H.S. Sen. TJ Littlejohn Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Daniel Looney Crestline H.S. Sen. Miranda Marty Idea Academy Sen. Ankur Sarup Neuqua Valley H.S. Sen. Paige Smith Vernon Hills HS Senator Arun Srinivasan Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Farah Tamizuddin Springfield H.S. Sen. Craig Timms Troy H.S. Sen. Joe Weston Danville H.S. Sen. Brady Williamson Lakota East H.S. Sen. Eric Wucki Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Stanley Yuan Illinois Math And Science Academy Sen. Corey Zhu Indian Hill H.S. 51 HOUSE & SENATE E LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 501 E: A BILL TO ENHANCE COOPERATION WITH BRAZIL Sponsored by: Senator Joe Weston of Danville High School Representative Lindsey Lewis of Danville High School 502 E: A BILL TO ABOLISH THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE Sponsored by: Senator Leon Cai of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Josh Thomas of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Chris Hill of Dublin Coffman High School 503 E: A BILL TO PERMIT TEACHERS TO CARRY THEIR CCP REGISTERED WEAPONS IN THEIR CLASSROOMS Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Looney of Crestline High School Representative Anna Salvati of Crestline High School 504 E: A BILL TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE Sponsored by: Senator Michael Lakomy of Badin High School Representative Nick Bolton of Badin High School 505 E: A RESOLUTION TO ANNOUNCE THE NUCLEAR NEGATION AND PENDING NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Farah Tamizuddin of Springfield High School Representative Sara Tamizuddin of Springfield High School 506 E: A BILL TO END SEGREGATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Sponsored by: Senator Stanley Yuan of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Bri Venturo of Rockford High School 507 E: A BILL TO ENSURE THE CONTINUATION OF NETWORK NEUTRALITY Sponsored by: Senator Moya Chen of Vernon Hills High School Representative Josh Kosoglaz of Vernon Hills High School 508 E: A BILL TO LEGALIZE THE SELLING AND PURCHASING OF HUMAN ORGANS Sponsored by: Senator Eric Wucki of Arrowhead High School Senator Arun Srinivasan of Arrowhead High School Representative Angelo Porchetta of Arrowhead High School Representative Brian Payne of Arrowhead High School Representative Alec Mortensen of Arrowhead High School 509 E: A BILL TO CREATE A FLAT TAX Sponsored by: Senator Kevin Cardonne of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Natalie Davison of Coral Springs Christian Academy 510 E: A BILL TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY THROUGH REQUIRED TESTING OF SENIOR CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Connor Spielmaker of Naples High Representative Emma Davidsen of Naples High *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 510.E. 52 501 E: A BILL TO ENHANCE COOPERATION WITH BRAZIL Sponsored by: Senator Joe Weston of Danville High School Representative Lindsey Lewis of Danville High School The United States has an opportunity to advance its global standing without a major exertion of spending. By engaging with the government of Brazil in the sale of government-held intellectual assets, the American government will indicate a commitment to Latin American development. At the same time we will provide ourselves an opportunity to generate federal revenue. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The United States Government shall begin discussions with the Development, Industry, and Trade Ministry of Brazil for the open sale of non-essential, government-owned intellectual assets. Section 2. The Commerce Department will oversee the implementation of this bill. 502 E: A BILL TO ABOLISH THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE Sponsored by: Senator Leon Cai of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Josh Thomas of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Chris Hill of Dublin Coffman High School The Electoral College is an old practice put in place to keep uneducated citizens from making decisions about running the country. Now that we live in the twenty first century, our citizens are educated and can make informed decisions on who should run the country. We need to get rid of this archaic practice so that no candidate will win the popular vote, have the majority of the nation behind him/her and lose the election, like in the election of 2000. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. This bill will abolish the Electoral College Section 2. The election would be decided on popular vote 503 E: A BILL TO PERMIT TEACHERS TO CARRY THEIR CCP REGISTERED WEAPONS IN THEIR CLASSROOMS Sponsored by: Senator Daniel Looney of Crestline High School Representative Anna Salvati of Crestline High School Hundreds of school shootings happen every year and most could be prevented if our teachers were allowed to carry their concealed weapons in their schools. If our teachers were allowed to carry their CCP (Concealed Carry Permit) registered firearms in their classrooms many of the school shootings that we all fear would be limited. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All teachers should be allowed to carry their CCP registered firearm in their schools and classrooms. Section 2. Bill is subject to each state’s laws regarding CCPs. Section 3. Each individual must first fill out a statement form that is sent to the School Administration of his/ her school, the Sherriff’s Department of that county, and the state’s Department of Justice for record. Section 4. The legitimacy of the CCPs will be confirmed by checking the resident county’s Sherriff’s Department, the resident state’s Department of Justice, and the federal concealed carry database. 53 504 E: A BILL TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE Sponsored by: Senator Michael Lakomy of Badin High School Representative Nick Bolton of Badin High School Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. A. LAWFUL USE OF ENCRYPTION- It shall be lawful for any person within any State, and by any United States person in a foreign country, to use any digital encryption, regardless of encryption algorithm selected, encryption key length chosen, or implementation technique or medium used. B. PROHIBITION ON MANDATORY KEY RECOVERY OR KEY ESCROW ENCRYPTION- Neither the Federal Government nor a State may require, as a condition of a sale in interstate commerce, that a decryption key be given to another person. C. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to— 1. require the use by any person of any form of encryption; 2. limit or affect the ability of any person to use encryption without a key recovery function; or 3. limit or affect the ability of any person who chooses to use encryption with a key recovery function to select the key holder, if any, of the person's choice. Section 2. A. EXPORT OR IMPORT OF ENCRYPTION-It shall be lawful for any person within any State, and by any United States person in a foreign country, to export or import any digital encryption technology, regardless of encryption algorithm selected, encryption key length chosen, or implementation technique used. 1. The Department of Commerce shall strike from the Export Administration Regulations Sections 5 Part II 2. Any digital encryption technology included in the United States Munitions List is not covered by this Act. 505 E: A RESOLUTION TO ANNOUNCE THE NUCLEAR NEGATION AND PENDING NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Farah Tamizuddin of Springfield High School Representative Sara Tamizuddin of Springfield High School Whereas: The United States' nuclear arms depict a belligerent and pugnacious appearance toward other countries and should be declared null and void; and Whereas: The United States' attempts to allay such countries as Iran and North Korea into disarmament, the United States' progress is hampered by the hypocritical impediment of looming nuclear weapons; and Whereas: The unstable and high-security nuclear weapons are not morally or logically justified and serve only to elevate other countries' fear and derision of the United States; and Whereas: Dissolving of the United States' nuclear weapons would make the country more legitimate in disarmament talks, portray a message of cooperation and strength and national confidence to the world, and eliminate the threat of competing nuclear arms wars between countries and the irrational desire to ever enact the use of nuclear weapons. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The United States of America announce that the nation will not use its significant nuclear arsenal in conflict with another nation. Section 2. The United States of America commence in enacting legislation to permanently dissolve all currently possessed nuclear weapons in hopes of opening disarmament talks as well as a more stable and peaceful future. 54 506 E: A BILL TO END SEGREGATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Sponsored by: Senator Stanley Yuan of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Bri Venturo of Rockford High School Current legislation requires schools to provide the least restrictive environment for K-12 education for special needs students. However, this legislation does not go far enough, as most special needs students still receive the majority of their education in contained classroom settings. This sets the tone for unintended exclusion outside of the classroom, and for cost-saving measures where contained classrooms are often located on campuses away from their neighborhood peers. Therefore, the federal government should require special services to be provided at the same general educational facility as the neighborhood peers attend. All students must receive a minimum percentage of their education hours in a general education setting and all students, regardless of any designation, must be allowed to receive all of their education hours in a general education setting. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All K-12 schools be required to provide at least 25% of all special services in a general education setting. Section 2. All K-12 schools be required to allow all students to receive up to 100% of special services in a general education setting Section 3. All K-12 schools be required to allow any student with special needs to participate in any school activity where reasonable accommodations are possible. Section 4. All laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. Section 5. This bill go into effect upon the start of the 2012 Fiscal Year. 507 E: A BILL TO ENSURE THE CONTINUATION OF NETWORK NEUTRALITY Sponsored by: Senator Moya Chen of Vernon Hills High School Representative Josh Kosoglaz of Vernon Hills High School Network neutrality, the concept of no discrimination against applications, information, or equipment, has existed since the beginning of modern communication. Recently, certain corporations have suggested that tiered payment plans, forcing consumers to pay in proportion to the amount of digital data that they consume, should be implemented, especially in terms of the internet. This would allow differentiation in connectivity, limiting information to all but the richest who could afford the best data plans. In order to protect access of information, network neutrality must be preserved. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. No institution of public or private telecommunications be allowed to charge customers based on amount of data consumed. Section 2. No institution of public or private telecommunications be allowed to intentionally favor any specific applications or forms of content, directly or indirectly. Section 3. No institution of public or private telecommunications be allowed to actively limit connectivity of any user based on amount of usage, except in cases of proven illegal activity. Section 4. Any institution of public of private telecommunications found to be infringing on the provisions of net neutrality, except in cases described above, be fined an amount equal to $2,000 per internet user affected per week of internet connectivity restraint, plus monetary compensation for loss productivity (where applicable), to be paid at the discretion of consumers affected. 55 508 E: A BILL TO LEGALIZE THE SELLING AND PURCHASING OF HUMAN ORGANS Sponsored by: Senator Eric Wucki of Arrowhead High School Senator Arun Srinivasan of Arrowhead High School Representative Angelo Porchetta of Arrowhead High School Representative Brian Payne of Arrowhead High School Representative Alec Mortensen of Arrowhead High School Currently, in the United States of America, over 100,000 people are on the Organ Transplant Waiting List. Meanwhile, the number of donors available numbers a mere 12,000 are registered donors. This immense shortage of donors is due to a lack of a cohesive incentive to donate one’s organs. In an economic sense of supply and demand, the rate at which the demand for organs increases greatly outweighs the rate at which said organs are being supplied. To repair this colossal gap between supply and demand, a monetary incentive for the donation of organs must be supplied. Following economic theory, the increase in the number of organs supplied will shift the supply line for the organs to the left. This in turn causes two major effects. First, more organs will be supplied, thereby reducing the number of people on the waiting list and the time spent on the list. Secondly, this increased supply drives down the price of organs, reducing the cost of the medical procedures required and further bridge the gap. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that: Section 1. The selling and purchasing of human organs in the United States be legalized. Section 2. Each organ first be required to be cleared by a team of physicians or other organ specialists who deem the organ and donor safe for transplantation. Section 3. Those whose do not pass said test be barred from selling extracted organs. 509 E: A BILL TO CREATE A FLAT TAX Sponsored by: Senator Kevin Cardonne of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Natalie Davison of Coral Springs Christian Academy Our nation’s current tax code is an over-complicated system that tries to redistribute wealth by charging higher tax rates on the wealthy than on the middle and lower classes, and using a myriad of taxes for various programs, such as Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, and Disability taxes. The complex system of taxation our nation uses is ultimately ineffective, as it is too complex for the average American to understand or follow, and it results in over-taxation. The fairest way to charge taxes is to have everyone pay a true flat rate tax. A true flat rate tax is a system of taxation where one tax rate is applied to all income with no exceptions, and would eliminate the layers of unnecessary bureaucracy inherent in a system with multiple different types of taxes, such as the one currently in use. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Internal Revenue code shall be amended to impose on the taxable income of every individual a tax to equal 11% of the taxable income of such individual for such taxable year. Section 2. The Internal Revenue code shall further be amended to eliminate all personal income tax deductions. Section 3. The Internal Revenue code shall further be amended to eliminate FICA-OASDI (Old Age Survivor Disability Insurance tax for Social Security), FICA-Medicare, Disability tax deductions, and all other mandatory tax deductions. 510 E: A BILL TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY THROUGH REQUIRED TESTING OF SENIOR CITIZENS Sponsored by: Senator Connor Spielmaker of Naples High Representative Emma Davidsen of Naples High Operating a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility, and driving anywhere is already dangerous. Plenty of emphasis is put on young drivers, who account for the majority of traffic crashes in the United States. However, nobody really looks at senior citizens and their driving abilities. New drivers go through a progressive (graduated) system to earn their license. After that, there is no additional training/testing to maintain an acceptable knowledge of the road. The human being cannot be expected to retain basic driving knowledge for forty years or more, let alone specific details. Just as cars change by the year, so do the rules of the road, road technologies, and even driving methods. To ensure the utmost safety on our roads, our senior citizens should enter into a graduated regressive licensing system. 56 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Department of Motor Vehicles (hereafter referred to as DMV) will develop a reversed graduated licensing system for citizens aged 65 and older. Section 2. This system is to begin with full Class E certification, and decrease from there to restricted hours, restricted passengers, and to permit-like restrictions (driving with another person aged below 50) Section 3. Between the ages of 65-70 years of age, an 85% or higher grade on exam will result in maintaining of full class E certification. At 71 years of age, restricted hours will be automatically assigned. Section 4. The DMV will be responsible for creating curriculum and training instructors on said curriculum. Section 5. An eye-sight test will be required with every exam. Section 6. days. Failing to pass an exam automatically results in a 30 day suspension of driver’s license. The person may retest after 30 Section 7. The stipulations of this bill must be in effect by December 31st, 2013. 57 HOUSE & SENATE F HOUSE F SENATE F Molly Whitley of Mooresville HS, Chair Iain Warrell-King of Fairfield HS, Clerk Amerigo Caffo of C. Leon King HS, Chair Justine Cardenas of C. Leon King HS, Clerk Rep. Jerry Bagazinski Franklin H.S. Rep. Kari Barnhill Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Courtney Collingwood Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Jorge Dominicis The Benjamin School Rep. Christina Fernandez Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Tania Gantiva Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Jacob Gedetsis Benedictine H.S. Rep. Aaliyah Gray Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Jessica Hager Crestline H.S. Rep. Nafisat Hanidu Naperville North H.S. Rep. Nicole Hensel Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Andrew Hesch Pickerington H.S. Rep. Meghan Hoskins Mooresville H.S. Rep. Bronwyn Jackson Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Rep. Jameson Kelliher Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Maggie Lamaster Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Heaven Leonard Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Jim Li Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Chante Mahone Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. James Marshall Lakota East H.S. Rep. Colin Mcconnell Indian Hill H.S. Rep. Breanna Mcmahon Naperville North H.S. Rep. Tommy Moore Union Local H.S. Rep. Sam Nelson Danville H.S. Rep. Wendy Nguyen Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. Trenton Pacer Western Reserve Academy Rep. Jimmy Perrine New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Nick Price Naperville North H.S. Rep. Ashley Rector Troy H.S. Rep. Gabe Rosenthal Academy At The Lakes Rep. Jon Rudnick Vernon Hills HS Rep. Michael Schneekloth Mayo H.S. Rep. Preetisha Sen Dublin Jerome H.S. Rep. Suhel Singh Seven Hills Upper School Rep. Lisa Swanson Naperville Central H.S. Rep. Gracemarie Thompson Lloyd H.S. Rep. Quinton Wilhite Crestline H.S. Sen. Garrett Barnes Naperville North H.S. Sen. Kyle Boutin Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Edeline Chen Naperville Central H.S. Sen. T. Wesley Curran Bexley H.S. Sen. Keil Eggers Lawrence Free State H.S. Sen. Justin Fanok Morgantown H.S. Sen. Dustin Goff Union Local H.S. Sen. Dana Holle Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Nathan Johnson Danville H.S. Sen. Sasha Lieberman Seven Hills Upper School Sen. Emma Lipscomb Lakota East H.S. Sen. Lucy Mccolgan Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Paul Messick Mayo H.S. Sen. Cynthia Pardo Western Reserve Academy Sen. Ryan Scavuzzo Coral Springs Christian Academy Sen. Michael Sewell Indian Hill H.S. Sen. Samir Shah Illinois Math And Science Academy Sen. Aswin Sivaraman Neuqua Valley H.S. Sen. Sophia Sokolowski Academy At The Lakes Sen. Michael Spade Crestline H.S. Sen. Ashwatha Thenappan Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Steven Tinetti Vernon Hills HS Sen. David Wadkins Mayo H.S. Sen. Jacob Westfall Firelands H.S. Sen. Kevin Zhang Illinois Math And Science Academy 58 HOUSE & SENATE F LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 601 F: A BILL TO PROMOTE GREEN PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY Sponsored by: Nathan Johnson of Danville High School Representative Sam Nelson of Danville High School 602 F: A BILL TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Sponsored by: Senator Ashwatha Thenappan of Dublin Coffman High School Senator Sarah Asad of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Wendy Nguyen of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Sally Raudabaugh of Dublin Coffman High School 603 F: A BILL TO ALLOW TRUCK DRIVERS TO CARRY FIREARMS ACROSS STATE LINES Sponsored by: Senator Michael Spade of Crestline High School Representative Quiton Wilhite of Crestline High School 604 F: A RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF A HELMET WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE Sponsored by: Senator Emma Lipscomb of Lakota East High School Representative James Marshall of Lakota East High School 605 F: A RESOLUTION TO ENACT HEALTH RESTRICTIONS ON THE MODELING INDUSTRIES Sponsored by: Senator Edeline Chen of Naperville Central High School Representative Lisa Swanson of Naperville Central High School 606 F: A BILL TO PROMOTE ETHICAL CONDUCT Sponsored by: Senator David Wadkins of Mayo Senior High School Representative Brian Schneekloth of Mayo Senior High School 607 F: A BILL TO ENSURE THE MENTAL STABILITY OF FIREARM USERS Sponsored by: Senator Steven Tinetti of Vernon Hills High School Representative Jonathan Rudnick of Vernon Hills High School 608 F: A BILL TO REPEAL THE ABORTION BAN IN THE MILITARY FOR SERVICEWOMEN AND SPOUSES Sponsored by: Senator Dana Holle of Arrowhead High School Representative Courtney Collingwood of Arrowhead High School Representative Heaven Leonard of Arrowhead High School 609 F: A BILL TO REPEAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Sponsored by: Senator Ryan Scavuzzo of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Kari Barnhill of Coral Springs Christian Academy 610 F: A BILL TO PROTECT AMERICA’S ALLIES Sponsored by: Senator Kevin Zhang of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Jim Li of Illinois Math and Science Academy *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 610.F. 59 601 F: A BILL TO PROMOTE GREEN PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY Sponsored by: Nathan Johnson of Danville High School Representative Sam Nelson of Danville High School The U.S. is currently coming out of economic recession and is looking for new outlets in which it can both sponsor economic growth as well as increase the amount of “green” capital it is producing. The U.S. is not keeping pace with other countries in reducing the amount of pollution it produces; it needs to find ways to move forward as an ecologically- and economically-friendly nation. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The IRS will give a 4% tax incentive for any corporation that sells at least one hundred (100) million dollars worth of green products and an extra .5% extra incentive for every extra one hundred million dollars-worth of green products sold. Section 2. A green product is any product that’s manufacturing, sale and use provides for economic development as well as ecological conservation and preservation for future generations. Section 3. A 48% cap on the tax incentive will be applied for all annual sales over 1.2 billion dollars. Section 4. The U.S. Department of Commerce will oversee the regulation and implementation of this bill, as well as determine the validity of the green products. Section 5. This law will take effect in fiscal year 2012. Section 6. The law will be in effect until the end of fiscal year 2022. 602 F: A BILL TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Sponsored by: Senator Ashwatha Thenappan of Dublin Coffman High School Senator Sarah Asad of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Wendy Nguyen of Dublin Coffman High School Representative Sally Raudabaugh of Dublin Coffman High School Many adolescents all over the country are subjected to underage drinking. Statistics show that about 28.2% of all teens have reported drinking alcohol within the past month, in reality there may be a larger percentage due to unreported underage drinking. One may argue that lowering the drinking age will decrease the intentions to consume such because alcohol is viewed as a taboo subject in society and will increase curiosity. Statistics also show that countries with lower drinking ages have fewer alcohol related problems. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 shall be amended so that the persons of the age of 18 or older shall be able to purchase and consume alcohol. Section 2. States will oversee the enforcement of this legislation. 603 F: A BILL TO ALLOW TRUCK DRIVERS TO CARRY FIREARMS ACROSS STATE LINES Sponsored by: Senator Michael Spade of Crestline High School Representative Quiton Wilhite of Crestline High School Currently, truck drivers are only allowed to carry a concealed weapon with them in certain states. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All states allow truck drivers to carry concealed weapons across state lines. Section 2. Truck drivers would be required to take a concealed carry course and be certified by the state if the driver wished to use that privilege. Section 3. When applying for the permit the driver will go through a full background check and be required to carry the permit with them at all times. Section 4. When crossing state borders the driver will have to show the permit at toll booths and whenever asked for by the police. 60 604 F: A RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF A HELMET WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE Sponsored by: Senator Emma Lipscomb of Lakota East High School Representative James Marshall of Lakota East High School Whereas: The use of a helmet prevents brain damage, Whereas: If a cyclist doesn’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay for their hospital bill, it comes out of the tax-payers’ budget, Whereas: Most states have motorcycle laws restricting rides without a helmet, but all motorcycles can be dangerous in regards to an accident. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that: Section 1. The U.S Department of Transportation should take every step possible to encourage the use of a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Section 2. The federal and state government should promote the use of a helmet while riding a motorcycle with a friendly reminder when motorcyclists riding without a helmet are noticed. 605 F: A RESOLUTION TO ENACT HEALTH RESTRICTIONS ON THE MODELING INDUSTRIES Sponsored by: Senator Edeline Chen of Naperville Central High School Representative Lisa Swanson of Naperville Central High School Whereas: Models are public figures who influence eating habits for young adults; and Whereas: Within the modeling industry a dangerously unhealthy standards are set for models; and Whereas: The modeling industry has a large impact in setting healthy standards across multiple countries. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The United States government require all modeling industries based in the United States to institute a minimum body mass index for their models. 606 F: A BILL TO PROMOTE ETHICAL CONDUCT Sponsored by: Senator David Wadkins of Mayo Senior High School Representative Brian Schneekloth of Mayo Senior High School Many professions deemed necessary for societies well being, such as doctors and lawyers, have basic ethical standards in place to prevent misconduct, yet elected officials do not. Because these officials are constantly in public eye and are role models to society, they should be held to a high standard of behavior. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. A basic standard for appropriate behaviors in Congress be implemented. Section 2. To maintain a modern ethical standard, a committee of non partisan experts, such as judges, doctorates in governmental or international studies, and other such individuals, convene every five years to update the code. Section 3. To punish breaking of the code, a preponderance of the evidence be required to be present, such as if the infraction is filmed in a debate or posted by a sanction method in a publication. Section 4. Punishment for infraction vary from temporary suspension from job, fines, or loss of job or permit. 61 607 F: A BILL TO ENSURE THE MENTAL STABILITY OF FIREARM USERS Sponsored by: Senator Steven Tinetti of Vernon Hills High School Representative Jonathan Rudnick of Vernon Hills High School Currently, obtaining a gun does not require a mental examination prior to purchase. In light of the Tucson shootings, it has become increasingly evident that more regulations need to be imposed on firearms purchases. In order to prevent mentally unstable persons from obtaining firearms legally, and in an effort to ensure the safety of the American public, it is necessary to require mental examinations for all persons wishing to purchase a firearm. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. All persons wishing to purchase a firearm be required to pass a mental examination (henceforth known as the “Firearm Stability Test” or simply “The Test”) at least one week but no more than three months prior to the purchase of a firearm. Section 2. The Test be created by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the American Psychiatric Association. Section 3. The Test be administered by a licensed and practicing psychologist approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for administering the test. Section 4. Failure of The Test result in successive delays before being able to purchase a firearm. Section 5. Upon the first failure of The Test, a three day waiting period occur before the test taker be allowed to retest. Section 6. Second consecutive failure of The Test result in the same penalties as outlined above. Section 7. Upon the third consecutive failure of The Test, the waiting period extend to three weeks. Section 8. Upon the fourth consecutive failure of The Test, the test taker be prohibited from retesting until a full evaluation by a licensed, trained, and state-approved mental health professional, at which point the number of failures be reset to zero. Section 9. The forming of committees to write The Test shall begin immediately after the passage of this bill, with full adoption of the bill starting on January 1st, 2013. 608 F: A BILL TO REPEAL THE ABORTION BAN IN THE MILITARY FOR SERVICEWOMEN AND SPOUSES Sponsored by: Senator Dana Holle of Arrowhead High School Representative Courtney Collingwood of Arrowhead High School Representative Heaven Leonard of Arrowhead High School The main issue of the Abortion Ban is not the ethics and morals behind it, but the controversy of equality between men and women in the military overseas. Because these servicewomen cannot use the healthcare provided at the military base in these circumstances, they can only choose to go off base to a foreign hospital, be discharged from the base, or risk performing the procedure themselves. This not only creates inequality among the sexes but further compromises of safety and security. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representative of the United States of American in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. This act shall repeal the abortion ban in order for the women in the United States military to gain access to abortion procedures on base. Section 2. All women pay out-of-pocket for the abortion in military hospitals, unless in cases of rape, incest or physical health issues where the Federal Government should invest money into providing free procedures for these victims. Section 3. The government not force any doctor to perform this procedure if it is against his or hers ethics and morals. 62 609 F: A BILL TO REPEAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Sponsored by: Senator Ryan Scavuzzo of Coral Springs Christian Academy Representative Kari Barnhill of Coral Springs Christian Academy On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) into law. The primary, and more important, provisions of the law are that health care providers are to accept those with pre-existing conditions and charge them the same rates as those without, all citizens are required to purchase, at the very least, basic “approved” insurance, and individuals who remain without health insurance pay additional taxes, among other things. Since its passing, eighteen states have rallied to file a lawsuit for the Act’s repeal, citing as their reason “a violation of state sovereignty.” This Act should be repealed for several reasons, among them an increase in the deficit, extra taxes, and an increase on the average American working-class family’s premiums. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is repealed, and all provisions of law amended or repealed by said Act are restored as if the Act had never been enacted. 610 F: A BILL TO PROTECT AMERICA’S ALLIES Sponsored by: Senator Kevin Zhang of Illinois Math and Science Academy Representative Jim Li of Illinois Math and Science Academy The recent attacks on Yeonpyeong Island and the sinking of the South Korean ship Cheonan shows a dramatic increase of force shown by the North Korean military. The ability of the South Korea to confront and deter these threats is large, but the presence of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) acts as a clear force for stability and peace in the region. And as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continually acts on a policy of brinksmanship, the United States and South Korea must increase military resources in order to deter such acts. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The United States increase the ROK-US agreed force level from 28,500 to 50,000. Section 2. The United States increase funding for USFK as well as military aid to South Korea by 25%. Section 3. 50% of American Military forces stationed in Japan and Okinawa be transferred to South Korea if possible. Section 4. The USS George Washington aircraft carrier be permanently stationed off the coast of South Korea. Section 5. American forces be allowed to to conduct military operations on the ROK-DPRK DMZ if provoked. Section 6. All laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. 63 HOUSE & SENATE G HOUSE G SENATE G Rachel Brann of Naperville Central HS, Chair Subomi Bankole of Naperville North HS, Clerk Nicole Tarr of Lynchburg-Clay HS, Chair Andrew Roche of The Benjamin School, Clerk Rep. Nick Ahamed Wayzata H.S. Rep. Alyssa Alcorn Firelands H.S. Rep. Alex Becker Lawrence Free State H.S. Rep. Holly Brown Dublin Coffman H.S. Rep. William Carrier Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Rep. Andrea Costin Avon H.S. Rep. Tiffany Datkuliak Union Local H.S. Rep. Cody Diaz Academy At The Lakes Rep. Margaret Downey The Benjamin School Rep. MaryCarmen Figueroa Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Wendy Gantiva Lincoln Park H.S. Rep. Sara Hodgkins Seven Hills Upper School Rep. Michael Holt Fairfield H.S. Rep. Paulette Hubbard Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Nicole Jameson Naperville North H.S. Rep. David Kelly Arrowhead H.S. Rep. Carmen Kelly Miami Beach Senior H.S. Rep. Jennifer Kilyk Lakota East H.S. Rep. So jung Kim Houghton H.S. Rep. Maggie Lewis Lloyd H.S. Rep. Jacob Linder Lakota East H.S. Rep. Stefan Mielke Naperville North H.S. Rep. Marisa Mullner Avon H.S. Rep. Nina Munoz Lake Forest H.S. Rep. Gina Muscillo Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Yinka Onayemi Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Josh Palmer Franklin H.S. Rep. Eric Price Naperville North H.S. Rep. Kyan Reynolds Coral Springs Christian Academy Rep. Lawrence Saey Badin H.S. Rep. Mahdi Sahloul Universal School Rep. Jonathan Saunders Naples H.S. Rep. Amanda Scherer New Knoxville H.S. Rep. Jackie Serpico Bexley H.S. Rep. Shivani Shah Western Reserve Academy Rep. Brittany Taylor Illinois Math And Science Academy Rep. Thomas Visnack Greenfield Central H.S. Rep. Joseph Vogt Crestline H.S. Rep. George Zhong Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Tarik Al-Fayyomi Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Andrew Campbell Franklin H.S. Sen. Melissa Diamond Wayzata H.S. Sen. Vicky Fernandez Lincoln Park H.S. Sen. Francisco Figueroa Lincoln Park H.S. Sen. Jon Henricks Illinois Math And Science Academy Sen. Kim Hutcheson Dublin Coffman H.S. Sen. Vinay Kashyap Neuqua Valley H.S. Sen. Viren Kumar Naperville North H.S. Sen. Jenny Lee Houghton H.S. Sen. Max Maurin Dobyns-Bennett H.S. Sen. Jordan McEvoy Arrowhead H.S. Sen. Ahmed Mohammad Naperville North H.S. Sen. Rachel Moore Bexley H.S. Sen. Madison Nagy Union Local H.S. Sen. Jarred Noffsinger Lakota East H.S. Sen. Kimber Owens Lake Forest H.S. Sen. Sarah Parr Crestline H.S. Sen. Karen Robertson Avon H.S. Sen. Rebekah Rose Avon H.S. Sen. Will Selfridge The Benjamin School Sen. Christian Sendler The Benjamin School Sen. Lucas Smith Lawrence Free State H.S. Sen. Nick Valadez Academy At The Lakes Sen. Matt Witte Firelands H.S. 64 HOUSE & SENATE G LEGISLATIVE DOCKET & INDEX 701 G: A BILL TO CREATE A NATIONAL MINIMUM OF JAIL TIME FOR THOSE CONVICTED OF ANIMAL ABUSE Sponsored by: Senator Karen Robertson of Avon High School Representative Andrea Costin of Avon High School 702 G: A BILL TO SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE Sponsored by: Senator Ahmed Mohamed of Naperville North High School Representative Nicole Jameson of Naperville North High School 703 G: A BILL TO BAN HIGH-CAPACITY HANDGUN MAGAZINES Sponsored by: Senator Max Maurin of Dobyns-Bennett High School Representative Billy Carrier of Dobyns-Bennett High School 704 G: A BILL TO ENSURE RENT WILL NO LONGER BE “TOO DAMN HIGH” Sponsored by: Senator Matthew Witte of Firelands High School Representative Alyssa Alcorn of Firelands High School 705 G: A RESOLUTION TO REMOVE JUNK FROM SPACE Sponsored by: Senator Lucas Smith of Free State High School Representative Alex Becker of Free State High School 706 G: A BILL TO IMPOSE A 30% CORPORATE TAX ON APPLE COMPUTERS Sponsored by: Senator Melissa Diamond of Wayzata High School Representative Nick Ahamed of Wayzata High School 707 G: A BILL TO CREATE A TERM LIMIT FOR FEDERAL JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT Sponsored by: Senator Jenny Lee of Houghton High School Representative So Jung Kim of Houghton High School 708 G: AN AMENDMENT TO MAKE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXATION A RESTRICTED RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Maricarmen Figueroa of Lincoln Park High School Representative Francisco Figueroa of Lincoln Park High School 709 G: A BILL TO REFORM DRUG TESTING IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Sponsored by: Senator Andrew Roche of The Benjamin School Representative William Selfridge of The Benjamin School 710 G: A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CANADA AND MEXICO Sponsored by: Senator Jarred Noffsinger of Lakota East High School Representative Jacob Linder of Lakota East High School *Please note: Senate committees should follow this schedule from the bottom up. If you are in a Senate committee, you should be starting with 710.G. 65 701 G: A BILL TO CREATE A NATIONAL MINIMUM OF JAIL TIME FOR THOSE CONVICTED OF ANIMAL ABUSE Sponsored by: Senator Karen Robertson of Avon High School Representative Andrea Costin of Avon High School Most states in America, with the exception of four, already classify animal cruelty as a felony. However, the punishments for committing this felony range from a fine to jail time. There are only two states that are willing to give out significant jail time for animal cruelty. When cases of animal cruelty are put up with cases of neglect or abuse to children and elderly, over half of direct cruelty towards animals is coupled with cruelty towards children. And a third of the abuse towards children and elderly stays in line with torture of animals. America needs to give harsher punishments from the torture of these defenseless animals. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The remaining four states that name animal cruelty a misdemeanor classify it as a felony charge. Section 2. A national standard should be set for a minimum amount of jail time for those convicted of cruelty. Section 3. Those convicted of animal abuse should be banned from owning pets after their conviction. 702 G: A BILL TO SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE Sponsored by: Senator Ahmed Mohamed of Naperville North High School Representative Nicole Jameson of Naperville North High School The words "under God" in the U.S pledge of allegiance were introduced in 1954 by the Congress after the "Knights of Columbus" started a movement to get the words introduced. In 1954, the aim of adding these words was, as supported by the "Knights of Columbus,” a Catholic male organization, to "make the Pledge both an oath of allegiance and a public prayer." However, in this day and age where schools are legally required to say a pledge and the population of atheists and polytheists in the United States is growing, it is demeaning for children of a free country to be caused to listen to and acknowledge the presence of a single god. Therefore, the United States should remove the words "under God" from the U.S. pledge of allegiance. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The words "Under god" be removed from the pledge of allegiance. Section 2. Any public school which refuses to comply with this change will lose 50% of its federal and state funding. Section 3. All laws in conflict with this bill be declared null and void. Section 4. This bill go into effect upon the start of the 2012 Fiscal Year. 703 G: A BILL TO BAN HIGH-CAPACITY HANDGUN MAGAZINES Sponsored by: Senator Max Maurin of Dobyns-Bennett High School Representative Billy Carrier of Dobyns-Bennett High School Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Let high-capacity magazines used in handguns be redefined as any magazine that extends past the grip of the handgun. Section 2. Let the manufacture and sale of all high-capacity magazines to civilians used in handguns, as defined in Section 1, be hereby prohibited in the United States and all of its territories. Section 3. Let the use of high-capacity magazines by civilians be hereby banned in the United States and all of its territories. Section 4. This bill shall go into effect 91 days after passage and expire 10 years after that date. 66 704 G: A BILL TO ENSURE RENT WILL NO LONGER BE “TOO DAMN HIGH” Sponsored by: Senator Matthew Witte of Firelands High School Representative Alyssa Alcorn of Firelands High School Citizens are unable to live in this current society due to high rent costs. This not only puts a strain on keeping a place to live, but also lessening the amount of money a person has. Because of such economic troubles, people are unable to afford such basic necessities as food, clothing, and paying their monthly bills. This is leading to rampant foreclosures amongst Americans and in the last decade has reached an all-time high. In addition to such economic troubles, this leads to high stress among families, creating tensions and raising divorce rates. As well as the previous statement, people are unable to freely purchase any items other than the basic necessities, leading to monetary problems in business. A simple solution to this issue would be to establish standards for rent to which a landlord can set based on the district’s economic standing. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of these United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. A department in the U.S. Census Bureau will be set up to collect economic data from areas across the United States to be placed in a database. The name of this department will be set at a later date. The funds for this department will come from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. government. Section 2. Workers will be hired by the census bureau to process and analyze data from each region. The information will be broken down based on economic situation, monetary income per capita, and government welfare per capita as well as per capita expenses and living costs per capita. Section 3. The current standing of the economic census will remain at the given 5-year increment as well as the population-housing census will remain at its designated 10-year increments. Section 4. Each landlord will receive at the time of their purchase or current ownership of a building a statement from the U.S. Census Bureau stating the average economic condition and family income per capita of their district from which they bought the property. It will also state that no landlord may charge more than 33% of the family income for said district. Section 5. The landlord retains the right to vary the rent in their building based on square footage of the area to which they are renting and the condition overall of residents. However, the rent may never exceed more than 33% of the district’s average family income. 705 G: A RESOLUTION TO REMOVE JUNK FROM SPACE Sponsored by: Senator Lucas Smith of Free State High School Representative Alex Becker of Free State High School Whereas: The current level of space debris is at a astronomical level; and Whereas: the number of object in orbit is only going to increase; and Whereas: the technology for removal is already under development. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that: Section 1. The U.S. Department of Defense and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration work together to complete development and ready for deployment such technologies to remove space debris. Section 2. Congress address the problem of space debris by supporting the implementation of these technologies as quickly as possible by all necessary means. Section 3. The President of the United States also take necessary steps to coordinate any executive agencies and resources to accelerate the process of space debris removal. 67 706 G: A BILL TO IMPOSE A 30% CORPORATE TAX ON APPLE COMPUTERS Sponsored by: Senator Melissa Diamond of Wayzata High School Representative Nick Ahamed of Wayzata High School Apple’s Mac computers have faster processors, more start-up programs, and longer lives than other personal computers. Mac computers are also more expensive than other options such as HP, Dell, and Gateway. The high initial cost of purchasing an Apple computer results in unequal access to technology among students and professionals alike and an unequal playing field. Macs also cannot be modified and may lead to a monopoly. Because Apple computers are made in China, the high-volume purchase associated with a monopoly of these devices would reduce competition and diversity in the United States economy. Placing a tax on Apple computers will level the playing field and make them more competitive with PCs. Watch out Google, you’re next. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. The Internal Revenue Code shall be amended to impose a 30% corporate tax on all Apple computers and products created for these devices. This tax will not be imposed on iPods, iPhones, iPads or other Apple devices that are not directly comparable with “PC” computers. Section 2. The revenue that results from this 30% corporate tax shall be used to establish technology education programs in all United States public schools for grades K-12. 707 G: A BILL TO CREATE A TERM LIMIT FOR FEDERAL JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT Sponsored by: Senator Jenny Lee of Houghton High School Representative So Jung Kim of Houghton High School The current judicial system places no cap on the number of years that a Judge may serve. Many Judges are serving terms that are far beyond what would be considered healthy; being appointed for life creates an uneven balance within the Courts system. The way the system is in place leaves potential for one party dominating the Judicial Court system. With life time terms and unpredictable ends to terms of Judges, it is entirely possible for one president to make appointments during his or her presidency that are as numerous as they are long lasting. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Each Federal Judge appointed to the Supreme Court serve a designated term of eight years after which he or she be reappointed or replaced by the President holding office at that time. Section 2. All judges be required to be approved by the Senate and no longer serve for life, but serve unlimited eight year terms. Section 3. This bill go in effect 30 days after passing. 708 G: AN AMENDMENT TO MAKE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXATION A RESTRICTED RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sponsored by: Senator Maricarmen Figueroa of Lincoln Park High School Representative Francisco Figueroa of Lincoln Park High School People are suffering as a result of heavy taxation, and the root of it happens when a good portion of their income is taken. As representatives of our people, we need to ease their pain, at least in the sector of taxation. Currently, the State and Local governments of the United States of America have certain powers to tax individuals in accordance to their income; however, most powers are given to the Federal government. The functions that the Local and State government provide can be added to the main function that is already provided by the Federal government. This way, income tax can be controlled, be restricted, and be moderated at the Federal government’s discretion. Be it amended by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, and upon approval of 3/4 of the States, that: 68 Section 1. The individual states of the United States of America not have the power to collect income taxes; only the federal government has this power of taxation. Section 2. The United States federal government only collect a maximum of 25% of an individual’s income. Section 3. Tax deductions no longer be serviced. Section 4. Any law or legislation that contradicts this amendment be declared null and void. 709 G: A BILL TO REFORM DRUG TESTING IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Sponsored by: Senator Andrew Roche of The Benjamin School Representative William Selfridge of The Benjamin School According to the Major League Baseball Steroid Policy, players are tested at least once per year. A player who tests positive receives a 10-game suspension for his first positive test. A second positive test will result in a player being suspended for 30 games. The punishment is doubled for a third offense and the player will be suspended a full season following a fourth offense. After a fifth offense, it is up to the commissioner of the MLB to decide the severity of a player’s punishment. However this policy is dated and with the popularity that baseball players receive from kids and teenagers, the MLB and the American Government need to be sure that their role models are “earning” their hits. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that: Section 1. Major League Baseball must administer weekly drug tests to its players. Section 2. Drug Tests will be for performance enhancing drugs, like steroids and human growth hormone (HGH). The tests will NOT be for other illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine. Section 3. Players who test positive will be suspended 25 games for a first offense, 50 games for a second offense within in a three year period of a first offense, and 100 games for a third offense within a five year period of a second offense. A player who tests positive a fourth time within five years of a third offense will be suspended for the rest of the season and the next season. A fifth offender within five years of a fourth offense will be suspended for the sport. Section 4. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency will oversee implementation of this bill. Section 5. This legislation will be implemented following the completion of the 2011 season. 710 G: A RESOLUTION TO ANNEX CANADA AND MEXICO Sponsored by: Senator Jarred Noffsinger of Lakota East High School Representative Jacob Linder of Lakota East High School Whereas: Illegal immigrants would become citizens pose an economic problem to the American people, Whereas: Canada has had too many privileges as a border country for too long, Whereas: Spending on border controls would be drastically reduced, Whereas: Combating drug cartels in Mexico would become a job of the United States military and be within our jurisdiction, Whereas: The U.S. economy would receive a boom due to increased workers consumers and tax payers in the country, Whereas: The people of Mexico would see a new area of prosperity in their region. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that: Section 1. The Annexation of both Canada and Mexico is in the best interest of the United States. Section 2. The Federal Government should take every action possible to make the incorporation of Mexico and Canada into the United States as smooth and easy as possible. 69 TABLE OF PARLIAMENTARY MOTIONS Motion Purpose of motion Interrupt Speaker? Second? Debatable? Vote Required Move to Adjourn Dismiss the meeting No Yes No Majority No Yes No Majority No Yes No Majority No Yes Yes Majority No Yes No Majority No Yes No 2/3 No Yes No 2/3 No Yes No 2/3 Move a piece of legislation up on the agenda No Yes No 2/3 Move to Extend Speakers time Give the current speaker a specific amount of extra time to speak No Yes No 2/3 Point of Parliamentary Inquiry Ask a question to clarify parliamentary procedure Yes No No Chair answers Point of Order Identify an error in parliamentary procedure Yes No No Chair decides Point of Personal Privilege Make a personal request during the proceedings Yes No No Chair decides Call for Division Request a hand count or roll call instead of a voice vote Yes No No Chair decides Move to Recess Move to Table Move to Amend Move to Lobby Move to Previous Question Move to Limit Debate Move to Suspend the Rules Move to Change Orders of the Day Dismiss the meeting for a short length of time Postpone debate on a piece of legislation until a later time Add, delete, or modify provisions of legislation Let members lobby for a specific length of time End debate and bring the bill to a vote Set a time limit on debating the legislation or amendment Take action contrary to established rules or time limits 70 PARTY PLATFORMS DEMOCRATIC PARTY ANASTASIA GOLOVASHKINA of NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, CHAIR PATRICK EISENHAUER of ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP EMILY WANG of DUBLIN COFFMAN HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP CHRISTIAN NEUMEISTER of LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP Spanning from the founding innovations of Thomas Jefferson to the progressive principles of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the pioneering Representatives who made 2010’s lame duck Congress the most productive session it has ever seen, the Democratic Party has established itself as the party that represents security, stability, and creativity. At Winter Congress 2011, the Democratic Party will focus on a domestic agenda of responsibility over negligence and an international agenda of diplomacy over war. We are youth representing our country’s democratic future, and we will face our era’s most pressing issues with momentum and maturity. The Democratic Party will not compromise improvement for the tantrums of tealeaves. The Democratic Party will not settle for unconstructive criticism. The Democratic Party knows that sustained improvement calls for both ambition and action. After all, politics is like a car—shift to “R” to move backwards, and “D” to advance forward. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUPPORTS A BILL TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS – 106A features provisions that are critical to maintaining our nation’s social freedoms. This bill will empower individual men and women to document the actions of working police officers. The United States prides itself in the sheer accountability of its government officials; this standard must be extended to law enforcement. A BILL TO SUPPORT EDUCATED IMMIGRANTS – 207B The United States has built itself upon a foundation of immigration; we must continue to cultivate the talents of this invaluable resource. A BILL TO LEGALIZE SAME SEX MARRIAGES – 404D recognizes the pressing need to adapt national policies to fit modern demands. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution entitles all Americans to legal equality irrespective of religion—and by extension, sexual orientation. A BILL TO PROMOTE GREEN PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY – 601F will create new jobs in the critical environmental sector, shift America from its detrimental dependence on inconvenient and harmful fuels, address the pressing problem of our nation’s rising rates of pollution, and will move our nation towards a safer and healthier tomorrow. A BILL TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION – F The United States allows eighteen-year-olds to legally dictate the fate of their health (smoking), the lives of others (driving, secondhand smoking, marriage), and, indeed, the fate of its own governance (voting and serving in the armed forces). Following the precedents set by all of our developed neighbors, our nation needs to eliminate alcohol’s lure as a ‘forbidden fruit’ and teach its adults to drink responsibly. A BILL TO REFORM SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS – G Baby boomers cannot expect to see more than 4.5 years of the benefits they had spent some 40 years paying into. To be successful, Social Security must be adopted to fit the conditions of a modern nation; reform is required. A BILL TO BAN HIGH-CAPACITY HANDGUN MAGAZINES—703G High-capacity magazines for handguns were utilized in the recent Tucson Shooting and do not deserve a place in our domestic communities. Averaging a minimum of eight inches, these magazines are too large to handle in concealment and are useless as hunting weapons. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OPPOSES A BILL TO MAINTAIN ADHERENCE TO A NATIONAL BALANCED BUDGET – 202B Though budget deficits have an adverse economic effect, deficit spending allows our nation’s economy to remain afloat. Deficit spending was critical to minimizing our most recent recession; a balanced budget— though both winsome and appealing on paper—is nothing less than irresponsible and injurious. A BILL TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION – C Elimination of the moratorium on offshore drilling would add no more than 1.6% to oil production over twenty years, and would have little to no impact on the actual price of oil. We do not need another BP oil spill; we need a sustainable and clean future. AN AMENDMENT TO REGULATE THE EXTENT OF PEOPLE WHO CAN ATTAIN CITIZENSHIP – 302C seeks to strip natural-born children of their right to remain on American soil. This amendment is a blatant exploitation of our nation’s future and has the potential to suppress our decisive leverage in the global market. It contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment’s citizenship clause; it insults our nation’s values of liberty, equality, and acceptance. It has no place in the United States Constitution. A BILL TO LEGALIZE THE USE OF WATERBOARDING TO INTERROGATE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS – 309C is no more than a plea to permit the inhumane albeit ineffective torture. Sadism cannot secure accurate evidence; it flies in the face of our nation’s proud principles of civilized conduct. 71 AN AMENDMENT TO ABOLISH THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND REPLACE IT WITH A NATIONAL RETAIL SALES TAX—D Prices would rise 30%. Sales would drop 23%. The middle class would increase taxes on those making $15,000 - $200,000 by about 3.6% to 5.7%. Meanwhile, those making over $200,000 per year would see their taxes decrease by anywhere from 53.5% to 45.9%. Behind the smoke and mirrors of “fairness” lies an irresponsible ill that none of us can afford to pass. A BILL TO BAN ABORTION ON DEMAND—409D As the responsible representatives of a wide spectrum of socioeconomic classes, we must realize that to keep abortion legal is to keep it at a safe and regulated minimum. This sad and complex issue cannot and will not be solved by a reckless ban. A BILL TO CREATE A FLAT TAX—E would shift tax obligations from the rich to the poor. This bill disregards both democratic values and the most basic economic principles. A BILL TO REPEAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT—609F The Protection and Affordable Care Act will lower both the deficit and individual taxes in the long run, will not increase individual premiums, and will provide inexpensive care to those who were once denied by insurance companies (including individuals with ‘preexisting conditions’ ranging from high blood pressure to a recent cancer diagnosis), as well as to children and young adults unable to finance their own care. Much of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will not take effect until 2013-2018, rendering the present argument against its ineffectiveness futile. A repeal of its expected enactments is idle and irresponsible. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY – IDEOLOGICAL PLATFORM 1. Economy: Keynesian emphasis on low interest rates, sustained government spending, responsible progressive income taxes, and job creation in both public and private sectors. a. Low interest rates maintain credit flow between lenders and borrowers, stimulating the expansion of small businesses, startup industries, and innovating projects. b. Maintaining current levels of government spending assures an increasing GDP, secures national economic strength, and ensures sustained economic growth. c. Responsible income taxes necessitate an immediate repeal of Bush tax cut extensions. In addition, income tax increases for the top two income brackets will transfer money from upper-class savers to lower-class spenders. Immediate spending will inject the money back into the economy; taxes should never be increased for those who cannot afford them. d. Job creation cuts unemployment and improves the national standard of living. 2. Social Comfort: Maintain unemployment benefits at current levels and increase welfare payments to the lowest income brackets. a. Unemployment benefits provide an income to those who are the most likely to spend it; benefits are thus much more effective at economic stimulation than a stimulus package. b. Welfare payments targeted at the lowest income brackets will benefit those who have been hit the hardest by the recent recession, further stimulating economic growth. 3. Health Care: Mandate health insurance, create a public health care option, replace emergency room visits with preventative care, and invest in medical information technology. a. Mandated health insurance lowers prices for all health care consumers (all living individuals) and will limit discrimination against those with preexisting conditions. An opt-out tax should be created for those wishing to opt out of health insurance. b. A public health care option must be established to ensure that all individuals are able to afford mandated health insurance. Though the United States boasts the world’s highest level of health care spending, it is the sole developed nation without universal health care. c. A public option will discourage expensive emergency room visits while promoting inexpensive preventative care. Emergency room care makes up the majority of health services received by consumers from the lowest income brackets. Laws in place since the 1960s (and unrelated to present health care reform) prohibit emergency rooms from turning down sick patients. A public option will not “force working adults to pay for the irresponsible habits of the poor.” Rather, disadvantaged health care consumers will now be able to afford preventative care ($50), curbing last-minute ($500,000) emergency room visits. d. Investments in medical information technology will streamline patient transfers and ensure proper and accurate patient care. 4. Energy: Decrease dependence on foreign oil, institute a cap-and-trade system for corporate carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy sources (including wind, tidal, geothermal, and solar). a. Decreasing dependence on foreign oil will allow the United States to reduce its economic reliance on unstable Middle Eastern countries and organizations such as OPEC. b. Meanwhile, a cap-and-trade system will allow the U.S. to reduce its carbon emissions while promoting job creation in “green” industries. c. Investment in renewable sources of energy will provide the United States with a stable and cheap source of energy. Unlike oil, renewable fuels such as wind and solar power will not harm the environment. 5. Civil Liberties: Balance basic constitutional freedoms with domestic stability. a. The Second Amendment right to bear arms is a basic freedom, but must be subject to a reasonable regulation to minimize threats to general welfare. b. The First Amendment guarantees freedoms of religion; the United States is a nation of many faiths, and must continue to recognize these faiths with equal respect. c. Homosexual rights are an extension of First Amendment rights and American anti- discrimination principles. All people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be able to wed. d. Rights to abortion, as stated in Roe v. Wade, must remain protected under such principles. 6. Immigration: Streamline the process for immigration and obtaining citizenship while protecting domestic immigrants from discrimination and exploitation. a. A simplified process for obtaining citizenship will curb demand for legal avenues of immigration without condoning illegal immigration. b. Arizona’s Immigration Law (SB1070) encourages discrimination against foreigners. 72 7. National Defense: Balance the disproportionate defense budget. a. The United States has over-extended itself throughout the world, and has allocated too many resources towards national defense. b. The only area of defense that saw large cuts in the 2009-2010 fiscal year was in Military Housing; this is not acceptable. We need cutbacks across the board. 8. Foreign Policy: Decrease military involvement in the Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan) while promoting fair democratic regimes in Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Israel, and Yemen. a. The line between promoting democracy and imposing imperialism is fine, and the United States of America needs to reevaluate its foreign priorities. Popular revolts in the Middle East provide a unique opportunity to spread democracy without armed intervention. b. Outside of the Middle East, the United States needs to protect the basic rights and liberties of free individuals while respecting the cultures; armed intervention should be avoided. LIBERTARIAN PARTY MICHAEL BROTZMAN of NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, CHAIR NINA ORTEZA of MORGANTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP GAYATRI SANKU of NAPERVILLE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP MAX SCHEIBER of DREYFOOS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, WHIP The Libertarian Party was founded on the notion that an ideal, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” had been infringed upon. Specially, that Americans had been losing their freedom, their liberty, in the air of convenience. As a result, David Nolan formed the Libertarian Party in 1971 to counter the growing discontent from economically irresponsible Democrats and socially disillusioned Republicans. From then on, the Libertarians have become the largest, and one of the most active, third parties. Presidential candidates can run every year, including the alwaysinteresting Ron Paul, who has run sporadically for president under the Libertarian ticket since 1988, until he switched to the Republicans [much to the confusion of his constituency]. As of now, there are over 150 Libertarians in offices around the nation and they continue to champion the values that made America illustrious. What are these values? We believe in the power of the invisible hand, a free market economy, the necessity of the security of civil and individual rights and foreign non- interventionism. We aspire to become a nation where the superiority of the individual is noted and extolled both in character, and in law. Therefore, the government must maintain the most distance, without chaos ensuing, from American life, both in the social sphere and in the economic sector. Issues/Stances Expression and Communication: We support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation or control of communications media and technology. Personal Privacy: Libertarians support the rights recognized by the Fourth Amendment to be secure in our persons, homes and property. Personal Relationships: Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Abortion: Pro-choice in all circumstances. Property: Property rights are entitled to the same protection as all other human rights. We oppose all violations of the right to private property, liberty of contract, and freedom of trade. Energy: We oppose all government control of energy pricing, allocation, and production, as well as subsidization and governmental preference. Government Spending: We call for the abolition of all government services not specified in the constitution. Labor: We support the right of free persons to associate or not associate in labor unions, and an employer should have the right to recognize or refuse to recognize a union. Healthcare: We favor restoring and reviving a free market health care system. Education: Education, like any other service, is best provided by the free market, achieving greater quality and efficiency with more diversity of choice. Foreign Affairs: Free trade, freedom of migration, and peace. BILLS THAT THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY SUPPORTS Bill 103: A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE ABUSE OF EMINENT DOMAIN: Eminent domain is one of the most arrogant and absurd government powers, and violates fundamental human rights, i.e. property rights. Authoritarian aggression in this case must be halted if we are to live in a truly free society. 73 Bill 104: A BILL TO END HARMFUL BIO FUEL MANDATES: The government has no place in the economy and this situation, as in most others, they are doing far more harm than good. Bill 108: A BILL TO AUDIT THE AUDITORS: We believe that the IRS should be abolished, but alas, baby steps. Bill 201: A BILL TO REPEAL AND REPLACE “OBAMACARE” WITH FREEDOM OF HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS: The government has absolutely no place mandating to buy health insurance, the right to life, and death, we believe. The belief that they can force private citizens to purchase something against their will is a constitutional violation that needs to be repealed. Bill 301: A BILL TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION: Restrictions on energy production were unnecessary in the first place, and now if we can lessen our foreign dependence and increase American employment and productivity, the government has no right to stop it. Bill 509: A BILL TO CREATE A FLAT TAX: The government has no need for excess taxation. Any legislation that decreases the individuals economic enslavement to the IRS is legislation we support. BILLS THAT THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OPPOSES Bill 203: A BILL TO CRIMINALIZE THE PROTEST OF FUNERALS: Criminalization of a freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights? That is a document that simply cannot be violated any further. One should be able to protest, lawfully, wherever they please. Bill 307: A BILL TO LICENSE BREEDING: Discrimination, on any basis, violates numerous civil rights and as a free nation that is an absurdity we will not stand for. In addition to that, an increase in government funding through this legislation is wasteful and unnecessary. Bill 403: A BILL TO BAN THE SERVING OF ARTIFICIALLY PRODUCED TRANS FATS IN RESTAURANT FOOD: A private business should be able to sell whatever product they desire, it is the consumers job to distinguish its danger. The government has no role in decided for the people what they should and should not consume. Bill 409: A BILL TO BAN ABORTION ON DEMAND: A woman’s right to choose is fundamental to attaining an equal and just society. The dissolution of basic rights can only lead to stagnation as a society. Bill 601: A BILL TO PROMOTE GREEN PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY: Government preference leads to market inequalities, we cannot allow numerous sections of our economy to be at the whim of a single organization. Diversification and competition lead to growth, not this. Bill 704: A BILL TO ENSURE RENT WILL NO LONGER BE “TOO DAMN HIGH”: This destroys the landowner’s ability to exercise fundamental control over his property, his product. REPUBLICAN PARTY ALEX QUINN of ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL, CHAIR JENNA PROUDFIT of AVON HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP STEVEN ECKSTEIN of MIAMISBURG HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP PRANEETH TRIPURANENI of NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP The Republican Party was founded in 1854, in a time of tumult and great decisions in our in country. Our party has stood the test of time and we continue to represent the basic principles of our country, the principles set down in the Declaration of Independence “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today we are in foreign conflicts, and an economic depression at home. We believe in the strength of the American people and the innovative potential they have. As Michael Steele, Republican National Committee Chairman, stated “As the party of ideas, rather than a mere coalition of interest, we consider vigorous debate a strength, not a weakness. Indeed, we are a party –as we are a nation- of mavericks.” The Republican Party welcomes deliberation about the principles in our platform. If you want to support the party, please look at the bills listed below and vote on them. We hope you have a great Winter Congress, and enjoy the debate upon the ideas presented in this legislation. Abortion: We support overturning Roe v. Wade and the passing of laws banning all forms of abortion in the U.S., except in the case of rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life. Also, we are against stem cell research and any type of federal funding being used for this type of research. Capital Punishment: Capital punishment acts as a necessary deterrent against crime and needs to be kept in place. By taking away someone’s right to life, you are thus forfeiting your own. Education: The Republican Party rejects the approach of creating a mold for education. There is no one way that fits every school. Education is the key to our country’s future and success in a competitive global market. By holding the government accountable, and encouraging parental involvement, education will greatly improve. The financial aid system for higher education must be simplified so everyone can have access to a higher education. Energy: The most important thing is to ensure that our energy is made in America. Our current dependence on foreign oil costs us about $700 billion dollars a year and that needs to end. We support experimenting with safe nuclear energy, ethanol, renewable energy such as electricity, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy to lower energy costs. Energy independence should be one of our main goals. 74 Free Trade: In order to ensure free trade that it is a two-way street, the U.S. needs to create trade agreements with foreign nations so that all can get what they need in a fair and safe environment. Health Care: The Republican Party sees a single-payer system as a threat to capitalism and the health care system. We are opposed to the current Congress's health care proposal. The Republican Party believes that the government should be left out of the health care issue. This includes creating innovation and competition among all health care providers by making them compete for the business of the American people and removing all state insurance regulations that cause costs to going up and stop citizens from receiving the best health care, the health care they want, and the health care they can afford. Immigration: The Republican Party is completely opposed to any form of amnesty for illegal immigrants. We support the construction of a wall along the U.S. border with more border patrol. We support punishment for all who house or employ illegal aliens. Marriage: We believe that marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman. We support an amendment to the Constitution to ensure that marriage stays this way. Second Amendment Rights: The second amendment clearly provides the right to bear arms and we consider this not debatable. The Republican Party strongly supports background checks before firearms can be purchased. Social Security: We support an optional privatization of social security. The current system is failing and it’s time we put the control back in the hands of the American people. Tax Policy: Our tax policy is straightforward—lower taxes for all Americans leads to a better economy and better financial situation. By putting money back into the hands of the American people, spending is easier for them and the economy will flourish. Americans deserve to keep the money they earn and the Republican Party will work diligently to defend that right. BILLS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SUPPORTS A Bill to Remove Information of Race, Ethnicity and Religion from all College Applications- By discluding race from college applications we would be less likely to reverse discriminate and accept student who are not truly capable of the college work load based on their academic achievement. To look at an economic status of a student would be a more accurate depiction of their true effort in their studies. A Bill to Permit Teachers to Carry CCP Registered Weapons in Classrooms- In a day and age where schools often time receive more days off for bomb threats than blizzards teachers need to have a sense of security in case of an intruder or a disturbed student. All citizens are guaranteed the right to bear arms by the second amendment and a restriction of these rights is against our constitution. A Bill to Ban Abortion on Demand- Advances in medicine have allowed now for babies much younger to survive without their mother and have significantly decreased risks to the mother during birth. With the cost of an abortion topping out at around $320 to over $2,000 for the mother most people who would have an abortion for financial reason simply cannot afford to have the procedure done making available only to those wealthy enough to do so. An Amendment to Regulate the Extent of People who can Attain Citizenship-This amendment to the constitution would reduce the rates of illegal immigration in our country. Also, it will help to address the problem of overpopulation of specifically the southwestern U.S. BILLS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OPPOSES A Bill to Dissuade Discrimination- Taking away a guaranteed tax break from all Boy Scouts based on the personal beliefs of the top authority is a promotion of discrimination. To judge all who join these character building programs to be the same as the vocal majority is going against what this bill claims to stand for. A Bill to Limit Financial "Charity"-The private sector gives around countless amount of time, research and energy to charitable causes. To restrict the amount that these companies give to those who cannot support themselves is unthinkable in a time of financial recession. A Bill to Expand Combined DNA Index System, Who is Added into it and What it is Used for-This data base would be a violation of personal privacy that is guaranteed by the Constitution by keeping records of citizens fingerprints whether or not theirs is a reason for it. A Bill to Legalize Same Sex Marriages- The definition of marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. The Republican Party stands behind the legal definition of marriage and opposes this bill that will change the definition of marriage to something other than the union of man and woman. SOCIALIST PARTY VIRGIL URBINA LAZARDI of SEVEN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, CHAIR CHRIS CARL of DREYFOOS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, WHIP JOE HAGEDORN of MAYO HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP JOSIE DALTON of NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP GRANT SHARRATT of FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, WHIP 75 Socialism; a word that has been repeatedly skewered since its inception. Abused by the so-called "Communist" monstrosities in the 20th century, what it is not is the idealization of a totalitarian and oligarchic autarky, where individualism loses its meaning and state planification replaces the free production of its citizens. In its broad sense, it represents the ultimate fulfillment of human equity, the vindication of man to his ability to produce. More precisely, it qualifies history through the lens of historic materialism, relating the actions of human beings to their productive capacity and the fulfillment of their ever-changing needs. The Socialists, thus, lend their support to subjects beyond basic "human rights". They find contradictions within the capitalist mode of production: its inherent destructiveness, its exploitation of a producing majority solely through economic means, and its perpetuation of the class system present since the inception of agriculture. From the knowledge of these contradictions, they wish to alter capitalism's course. Their long-term goal of the Socialist Party would be the elimination of bourgeois capital, ending once and for all the appropriation of surplus labor-power, and henceforth removing the alienation of all men and women from their natural impulse to freely produce, both mentally and physically. Society, after all, is created by the forces of production (i.e., labor, property, etc.) and the relations of production that arise from them (slavery, feudalism, capitalism, etc.). Once humanity has been rejoined to these means of production in common, which now remain the state-backed, secure private property of a class, it will find its freedom. "Classes" will disappear, as well as exploitation: a true democratic state will emerge out of the joined hands of the proletariat. Indeed, we wish to forge a society in which "the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all." In the short-term, however, the Socialists promote the interests of the oppressed majority, the workers. They wish to address the deregulation of the private sector (which has caused global growth to slow, as well as crises to become more frequent), the destruction of social services, the freezing of wages, as well as the erosion of unions. Moreover, they seek to de-"colorize" and denationalize humanity, for the worker ought to know no distinction beyond the plows of his brothers and sisters. WORKING MEN OF ALL COUNTRIES, UNITE! BILLS THAT THE SOCIALIST PARTY SUPPORTS 106: Law-enforcement officials exist for the sake of safeguarding its citizens, not furthering private or governmental interests. Essentially, this bill rightly answers the question: "who watches the watchmen?" The police must be liable to misconduct; therefore, their abuses must be presented able to be presented as evidence for the courts. 210: The violence in Congo is despicable and unwarranted. Instead of combating their oppressors, the humble men and children of the DPRC are forced to fight one other for survival, urged onwards by warlords and death merchants. The markets of the US find no issue in receiving the contraband, for the "free market" is amoral, and are perpetuating what is already a critical issue. Needless to say, all exchange regarding the minerals that support this war must cease. 308: The end of discrimination in the Boys Scouts is a step further towards the recognition of natural, equal, and endowed human rights. 405: Already the freezing of wages and job insecurity have forced Americans to work longer hours just to make ends meet. Since the 1970s, this trend has seen a disturbing increase, in tandem with the recent trend of economic deregulation. While we would rather see the system addressed, and not only a symptom, this bill must pass as a temporary relief to those already suffering. 502: The Electoral College is an antiquated system, created out of a desire of the ruling class to limit enfranchisement and direct representation in the 18th century. It must be abolished to better approximate the American political system to its democratic ideal. 702: Government must empower the populace by providing efficient social services, which simultaneously safeguard the lives of citizens while enriching their hopes of economic advancement. This bill does well in reforming Social Security by adding greater funding while reducing its taxation base. 704: Housing, a basic need for all Americans, is today nearly-untenable to the less fortunate due to the abuse perpetrated by leasers; it is but another example of the private sector failing to provide for others whilst it provides for itself. This bill introduces several mechanisms to prevent this form of exploitation. BILLS THAT THE SOCIALIST PARTY OPPOSES 108: A BILL TO AUDIT THE AUDITORS 201: A BILL TO REPEAL AND REPLACE “OBAMACARE” WITH FREEDOM OF HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS 301: A BILL TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION 401: AN AMENDMENT TO ABOLISH THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND REPLACE IT WITH A NATIONAL RETAIL SALES TAX 408: A BILL TO ARM THE AMERICAN CITIZENS 409: A BILL TO BAN ABORTION ON DEMAND 509: A BILL TO CREATE A FLAT TAX 609: A BILL TO REPEAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 76 BILAL MALLICK MARCH 23, 1995 - FEBRUARY 13, 2011 In Memory of Bilal Mallick Bilal Mallick was a sophomore at Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois. He was a soccer player, a first-year JSAer, and a friend to many of the NNHS delegates gathered here. In January, Bilal was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare disease for his age, and no longer could attend what would have been his first Winter Congress. On February 13, 2011, Bilal passed away. He was 15 years old. To remember Bilal, any money raised by our Activism Team this weekend will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for blood cancer research. Bilal Mallick was an amazing person. He was witty with such a great sense of humor. He always knew what to say to make people happy. Bilal never put a burden on anyone else. He was the kind of guy who made people want to know him. He was really short, but he had a great height. One of the few guys I was taller than, I wouldn’t hesitate to let him know that fact, but he never once got mad at me. He would just say, “I’m going to be taller than you soon and plus I’m stronger”. I don’t think I ever saw him get mad. Guys like Bilal aren’t easy to come by; he was definitely one of a kind. I know I will always miss him. We were both part of MSA (Muslim Students Association), and this year he joined JSA. This was awesome, because I knew he would be a great speaker. I told him he had to promise me to come to Winter Congress and he did. I’m really sorry that he couldn’t make it. Everyone would have loved him. In adhering to tradition, and because Bilal was Muslim, I will say rest in peace and “Inna lil lahu wa ilayhi raji’oon” -Olasubomi Bankole-Hameed, close friend of Bilal 77 RESTAURANT GUIDE RESTAURANTS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE HOTEL Pentagon City Mall Dining Options Mall Food Court Options Kabuki Sushi Villa Pizza Au Bon Pain Kelly’s Cajun Grill Bain’s Deli McDonald’s Mall Restaurant Options Boardwalk Fries Panda Express Johnny Rockets Desert Moon Café Pik-a-Pita L & N Seafood Grill Restaurant Frank & Stein Pop’s Chicken and Sea Mozzarella’s American Café Great Steak & Potato Company U.S. Bistro *The Pentagon City Mall is 3 blocks/ a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Mall hours are 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Pentagon Center Dining Options California Pizza Kitchen Chevy’s Mexican Restaurant Starbucks Coffee *The Pentagon Center is located directly across from the Pentagon City Mall on S. Hayes Street. 23rd Street Restaurant Row Dining Options Kabob Palace (Afghan/Pakistani) 2315 South Eads Street Young Chow (Chinese) 420 South 23rd Street Stars and Stripes (American) 567 South 23rd Street Demera (Ethiopian) 2325 South Eads Street Hamburger Hamlet (American) 1601 Crystal Drive (Crystal City Underground) Athena Pallas (Greek) 550 South 22nd Street King Street Blues (American) Crystal City Shops North (near Starbucks Coffee) Wild Azalea (Southern Style) 1648 Crystal Square Arcade Café Italia (Italian) 519 South 23rd Street Bonsai Grill (Japanese) 553 S. 23rd Street San Antonio Bar and Grill (Mexican) 1664-A Crystal Square Arcade Taco House (Mexican) 515 South 23rd Street Top Thai (Thai) 523 South 23rd Street Saigon Crystal (Vietnamese) 526 South 23rd Street Cha Cha’s (Mediterranean) 509 South 23rd Street *23rd Street Restaurant Row is about a 15 minute walk from the Doubletree Hotel. There are other restaurant options, but the most reasonably priced options are listed here. *Please note: There are several options for dining in the hotel. The Lobby Bar (Fri. 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sat. 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.) and Café Restaurant (6 a.m. – 3 p.m.) have meal options at mid-range prices. Café Express (6 a.m. – 11 p.m.) has quick, healthy food on the go available (a good option for breakfast). Domino’s Pizza 2923 South Glebe Road (703) 684.3344 DELIVERY OPTIONS Slice N Dice 2175 Crystal Plaza Arcade (703) 418.4444 Café Pizzaiolo 507 S. 23rd Street (703) 894.2250 Papa John’s Pizza Pizza Milano 4106 Mount Vernon Avenue 1101 South Joyce Street (703) 299.9555 (703) 412.1130 *Do not order anything that will arrive after 9 p.m., as that will conflict with your curfew and hotel policy. 78