Model Congress at WAHS has returned. This year’s seniors have worked diligently to prepare their bills for their respective committees, participating in subcommittees and reviewing with their peers. In the morning, the committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate review seniors’ bills and, if they pass, proceed by giving them to the leadership. This year, the Speaker of the House is Thomas Lambert and the Pro Temp of the Senate is Hazel Brown.

After passing through either the House or the Senate, the bills are transferred to the other side of the bicameral legislation. If a bill succeeds in getting through both sides, it is reviewed by the President, Mrs. Larson. Model Congress gives committees such as Education and Labor, Judiciary, and Health and Agriculture the opportunity to debate important issues with their peers. The Western Hemisphere will be reporting, conducting interviews, and updating Instagram throughout the day to keep readers informed.

Morning Updates: Committees and Caucuses

9:15 – Senate on Education and Labor Passes Homes for Americans Act

Jack Brockmier’s Homes for Americans Act, which provides grants for down payments on Americans purchasing their first home, passed 10-5. The largest grant, based on income, is $10,000, which decreases as the family’s income increases. The money for these grants will be coming from the Foreign Aid Budget. “Instead of giving all our money overseas, we should be helping Americans,” Brockmier stated. Brockmier says that the money being given to other countries is hurting them more than helping. Therefore, taking 15% out of the Foreign Aid budget should not be a problem. Brockmier informs the committee that cutting 15% still leaves the Foreign Aid department with 44 billion dollars. Although most representatives agreed, uncertainty about whether the grants would end up raising the down payment cost over time emerged.

~ Hadley Cabell

9:30 – House Ways and Means Committee Passes Stop Insider Trading Act

Ollie Woodrow presented the Stop Insider Trading Act to the House Ways and Means committee. The bill proposed restrictions to congressmen trading. The current restrictions in place have been “too weak” and have not prevented anyone from continuing to trade. This bill will completely shut down any trading and will make sure that congress stays truthful. The bill passed easily in the committee with a result of 25-1.

~ Bo O’Connor

9:30 –

9:33 – House Committee on Transportation Passes Commercial Space Oversight Act

Parker Polk of Illinois’s 16th District’s bill titled ‘Commercial Space Oversight Act’ has been passed 10-8. This bill will serve as a Space Satellite Pre-Launch safety review, ensuring private companies follow the same safety precautions to prevent collisions in space. There will be a board created with high-ranking officials of the FFA and NASA overseeing all activities. The Representatives argued over the monopolies and whether the bill could correctly observe all space traffic in the U.S. 

~ Barrett Bundonis

9:42 – House Committee on Health and Human Services Passes Transitional Housing and Relationship Child Welfare Act

Paige Morris’s bill proposes “get to know you sessions” between foster children and foster families before they can officially foster children. The bill aims to verify adults through the proposed system in order to reduce child abuse. The system consists of 20 hours of supervised time between foster guardians and children over the course of 10 weeks. The bill also prevents parents with demanding jobs (working over 40 hours per week) from fostering children, as well as disqualifying those with specified mental disorders from fostering children. This bill would also raise the case worker salary. Bill passed 14-7.

~ Edith Moak

9:53 – House Committee on Homeland Security, Foreign Relations, Veteran’s Affairs Fails Aliens for America Act

Jason presented the Aliens for America Act demanding “[that the government] release all the information they have on UFOs and UAPs… if they know it then we should too.”  There were questions relating to mass hysteria and distress and trust to which Jason responded with “we would be the reason why the world would end, not aliens,” and “I think it would build more trust.” It failed 5-16.

~Isabella Stewart

9:57 – House Committee on Transportation Fails Ban the Billboard Bill

Nate Fontenot’s bill titled ‘Ban the Billboard Bill’ failed 2-16. His bill aimed to remove billboards from state highways to try to let nature cover the highways again. The sentiment from the Representatives was that there would be a tremendous loss of revenue from removing billboards, taking away from tourism in the states.

~ Barrett Bundonis

10:04 – House Committee on Transportation Passes Natural Disaster Insurance Reform Act

Nicholas Wankhar’s Natural Disaster Insurance Reform Act passes unanimously. His bill forces stricter insurance guidelines and “requires a 30-minute session” with the policyholder. It also specifies what is and isn’t covered in your policy, like deductibles.

~ Barrett Bundonis

10:16 – House Committee on Environment, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Passes American Agricultural Input Cost Reduction Act

Jackson Hankins’ “American Agricultural Input Cost Reduction Act” passes unanimously. The bill proposes funding research to reduce costs of equipment, among other things, for farmers which will prevent bankruptcy for farms. It will also improve food security.

~ Francesca Reedy

10:17 – House Committee on Transportation Passes Clean Air and Climate Protection Act

Johnny Zevgolis’ Clear Air and Climate Protection Act passed 10-8. His bill enforces greenhouse gas emissions, holding companies accountable for how much they use. It will punish companies that use too much and will reward those who stay under the limits with tax credits. The bill specifies 80% of greenhouse gas emissions will be cut by 2030, with 100% cut by 2035.

~ Barrett Bundonis

10:33 – House Committee on Transportation Fails Social Integration Track Act

Nathan Phillips’ Social Integration Track Act narrowly fails 8-10. His bill would try to get immigrants to the U.S. off of support and fast-track them to get a Visa. “This would take out the middle man,” said Phillips. The sentiment with the representatives was that the different class levels within the bill were too confusing, and it should have been extremely specific for the cases.

~ Barrett Bundonis

10:44 – House Committee on Homeland Security, Foreign Relations, Veteran’s Affairs Ties in Vote on Congressional War Power Act

Spencer Envall presented the Reestablishment of Congressional War Power Act in order to give congress more power over military actions and “[to] reel in the power of the president.:” The act would provide a check on executive power. Under this act the president would be restricted to employ military power if the threat is immediate or is an act of defense. Otherwise the action must pass through congress. After debate the act ended in a tie.

~ Alex Hodgson

Morning Updates: Floor Debate

11:17 – House Floor Committee Passes Education and Labor’s bill about The Nursing Professional Status and Situation Act

Harmony McDaniels purposed the nursing act to help keep nursing as a professional degree. By July of 2026, nursing will not be a true profession. There are many unfilled nursing jobs, and with the limited funding, the number of nurses will decline. The goal of this bill is to make sure students when taking nursing in college have the same benefits of those getting the standard degree. Also to make sure that qualified nurses are still working, and that job trainings still available. Things spoken on included the expansion of nursing knowledge to the high schools and keeping the funding for nursing programs and education up. This law was passed.

~ Dilan Hoagland

11:22 – Senate Floor Committee on Energy Passes Fast Fashion Bill

S.B. 208 

This bill requires fashion retailers that earn more than $100 million in yearly revenue to create decarbonization plans. These decarbonization plans are their plan to decarbonize in the future. The plans have to be approved by the EPA, and EPA will check in with each industry to see how they are adhering to their decarbonization plans. If they are not adhering in an acceptable way for the EPA, then they are fined. It also creates provision to ensure that these industries are disposing of their textile waste (chemicals and fabric) properly. It also creates seals of environmental friendliness that indicate that these companies are adhering to the bill. It helps consumers to know more about where they’re putting their money. It also creates a nationwide removal of sales tax on retail clothing because these articles of clothing have already been subject to a sales tax. 

The Democratic Party supports this bill. “The countries of the world create this environment that’s filled with greenhouse gases, and fast fashion is one of those aspects on the planet.”- Sam Rosenbaum. 

The Republican Party opposes this bill. “It is a grossly impractical bill for the economy…it’s not going to successfully renounce gas emissions, it’s just going to keep happening and it’s going to raise prices for American consumers” -Tommy Boyd.

Bill passed

~ Edith Moak

11:34 – Senate Floor Committee Fails Bill to Arm Teachers

The Bill to Arm Teachers was proposed by Tommy Boyd which would arm teachers in order to prevent mass violence within school. A similar policy has been implemented in various states and it would train teachers in order to effectively deter school shootings. “For too long has gun control been an issue of politics, Senator Boyd has attempted to solve this issue with more guns…[however] we [Democrats] don’t believe in fighting fire with more fire,” said Majority Leader, Senator Rosenbaum. The opposing democrat Senators argued about the role of teachers, trustworthiness of teachers, and if it would minimize violence.

Boyd stated: “my bill is necessary because…we have tried other resources focused on mental health, and they don’t work…Guns are not evil, its the people that are evil. When guns are in the right hands, in our teachers who will know how to use them, our children will no longer die… we believe that we would rather have our teachers have firearms and not need to use them than have an emergency where they need them and not have them. It’s necessary to ensure the safety of our schools…Shooters will still get the guns no matter what restrictions you put upon them. 60% of mass shooters happen from stolen weapons.” “It is important to have someone there. It’s another layer of protection for students,” concurred Senator Netland. “Teachers already have a lot of responsibility and do not get paid enough to fulfill them in many cases, so why are we giving them more responsibilities for no increase in pay,” said Senator Marsh. This bill failed on the Senate floor.

~ Isabella Stewart

11:40 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Regulated Prescription Drug Prices Bill

S.B 546-Regulated Prescription drug prices Rosenbaum “Democrats strongly support”

Brement “ Americans pay too much for drugs compared to other countries. The purpose is to prevent companies from raising prices without previous notification. Requiring insurance companies cover at least one alternate generic drug. Reduce insulin to $35 per month.” Boyd “Reps also support”

Townsen “Good bill to keep medical costs down. People choose whether to eat or use medication. 

Moving to previous question

Vote- passed

~ Jack Klobuchar

11:50 – House Floor Committee Passes Veterans Zero Suicide Prevention Act

Veterans Zero Suicide Prevention Act

This bill would offer support to Veterans coming back from active duty. They would have the chance to opt out of the care. The Veterans would be given support and checked in on. 

Both parties supported this bill, citing how these people gave their lives to fight in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. and they should come back to the US with support for their well-being.  The bill passed unanimously.

~ Barrett Bundonis

11:52 – Senate Floor Committee Passes All Female Special Force Unit Bill

S.B 245- All Female Special Force Unit across all parts of the Military.

This bill, introduced by Republican Senator Ava Ellis, creates the nation’s first all women led special force. “Under the nation’s policy, One Standard, everyone must meet the same tactical and physical standard. It’s important to always look for ways to get rid of military inefficiencies and this is one of them.” A bill supported by both Democrats and Republicans passed unanimously in the Senate.

~ Jasper Barry

11:56 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Tax Credits for Nurses Act

S.B. 222 – This bill establishes tax credits for nurses with an annual salary below $150,000. It is a bill that Democrats strongly support. They stated Nurses are vital for the American livelihood. Republicans support it too, also touching on the fact that healthcare is very important to our nation. This bill’s goal is to help address the growing shortage in nurses throughout the country. The bill passed unanimously.

~ Bo O’Connor

11:59 – Senate Floor Committee Fails Sports Gender Pay Gap Bill

S.B. 209

Liesel Beenhakker’s bill aims to close gender pay gap in sports. “There is a 16% gender pay gap in basketball.” This bill focuses on helping more students in D1 athletics get recognized and increase pay. This bill aims to fix gender disparity, so students have more access and opportunity.

Democratic party supports:

This will reduce gender disparities in sports scholarships, and make sure these scholarships are accurate to gender makeup of schools.

Republican Party opposes:

Scholarships should be proportional to the amount of money sport brings in. “If Nike hats bring in most money, they will produce more hats, not shirts” -Tommy Boyd. A higher performer should equate to more money. The bill does not make sense because women’s and men’s sports don’t bring in equal amount of revenue, and the money for the bill comes out of “the average student’s wallet”

Bill Fails

~ Edith Moak

12:18 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Homes for America Act

Homes for America Act- Rosenbaum “Housing prices have been high for too long”

Boyd “Also supports bill, gives income to low income family. Step forward in the American dream”

Brockmier “Average American can’t afford house down payment. Grants received based on AMI. Below 120 AMI gets $5,000. Addresses needs and able to afford down payment grants. Paid by directing 15% of foreign aid money to these grants. 

Louis “ Concerns. A family income can’t be more than 140%. Families will have more trouble qualifying. These grants will cause housing to increase for families.

Bill-passed

~ Jack Klobuchar

12:26 – House Floor Committee Fails Safeguarding Animals From Poaching Act

HB #409 Safeguarding animals from Poaching Act

Helps animals in danger of poaching, enforcing anti-poaching legislation and forces harsher punishments. The bill discourages poaching, which will stop black market animal trade, and reduce the spread of diseases from these animals.

Democrats Strongly support this bill, believe it will help stop the extinction of these animals

Republicans believe this bill should not be passed, believing ‘it will put mandates on government operations’ and believe its ‘going to end up monitoring hikers by drones flying over’ effectively destroying the peace over the land. Rep. Reid Keller said “[this is] most blatant government overreach I have ever seen.”

This Bill does not pass

~ Barret Bundonis

12:22 – Senate Committee Passes National Park Preservation Bill

SB 122 National Park Preservation Luke Winters and Hric

This bill establishes a 5 mile buffer zone between national parks and industrial establishments. As Democratic Senator Hric stated, “Drastic increase in tourism in our national parks, has led to degradation and damage to the interior of our beloved parks” Republican Senator Winters was also able to argue in favor of the bill which increases grants to affected parks from 5% to 25%. The bill also gives compensation to industries affected. The bipartisan bill passed unanimously.

~ Jasper Barry

12:25 – House Floor Committee Passes Renewable Energy Expansion Act

HB #105 – Renewable Energy Expansion Act

      Place guidelines and regulations on clean energy and new energy standards. Initiate more research for better renewable energy resources. The bill will increase their usage on renewable energy by 2% in the first year, then 8% every decade. 

      Democrats believe this bill will make companies shift away from using fossil fuels. Rep. Anderson said, “this bill does an excellent job of explaining what these companies need to do and when they need to do it”

       Republicans don’t support it, believing that it “hurts businesses that don’t have access to renewable energy solutions” , said Coffin. Rep. Wes Monahan believes “8% increase every decade is just completely unrealistic. ” Another Republican believed, “if you hate America then you’ll vote yes”

This Bill passes. 

~ Barrett Bundonis

12:27 – Senate Floor Committee Passes the Foreign Influence Transparency Act

SP 233 The foreign influence transparency act was proposed by Senator Netland on the Senate floor in order to create clarity to ultimately minimize foreign influence within US politics. Majority Leader Senator Rosenbaum said: “the democratic party finds this bill unnecessary.”

Minority Leader Senator Boyd stated: “The Republican party supports this bill, foreign influence should have no power over us.” Senator Netland said “this exclusively affects countries that attempt to influence our politics…This affects our very democracy.” This bill passed.

~ Isabella Stewart

12:47 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Demilitarize Space Bill

SP 134 a bill to demilitarize space.

Creator Senator Benolirao states: “this is to ensure peaceful interactions.” “I think this will work to keep Americans at the top,” said minority leader Boyd. “If we go in there and take all these military satellites out by doing the most cost effective way of exploding them,” said Senator Ellis. “It has the potential to have disastrous impacts on our environment because of the Kessler effect.” This bill passed.

~ Isabella Stewart

1:04 – House Floor Committee Passes Head Start for American Youth Pact

HB #312 – Head Start for American Youth Pact

Head Start is already a pre-kindergarten program and will benefit children’s education. The expansion of this program is the point of this bill, which will increase GDP, help the children’s education, and it will allow the parents to head back to work. “This is about our children,” said Rep. Ike Noth.

This bill passes.

~ Barrett Bundonis

Afternoon Updates: Return to Committees

1:40 – House Committee on Energy Passes a Bill Limiting Fast Fashion and a Bill on First Time Home Buyer’s Incentives

The House Committee on Energy passes a bill on limiting Fast Fashion, and a bill on First Time Home Buyer’s Incentives. Both bills passed easily with bipartisan support.

1:54 – Senate Committee on Budget, Commerce and Transportation Fails Passenger Rail Infrastructure Investment Bill

Annabelle Cao’s Bill titled Passenger Rail Infrastructure Investment fails in the Senate. The group believed there were “no specifics on what the money used was for” and it was “very vague” in its writing. Overall, it was too confusing for the committee to understand, leaving them to wonder what the impact would be.

~ Barrett Bundonis

1:56 – House Committee on Agriculture Passes National Parks Reservation and Conservation Act

The bill national parks reservation and conservation act reinvests 25% of (income?) into national parks to help with the buffer zone and neglected things like trails and resources. Would help with covering costs for protecting parks from nearby development.

Bill passed.

~ Chelsea Larson

1:58 – Senate Committee on Budget, Commerce and Transportation Passes Bill Broadening the Term of Machine Guns

The Senate Committee on Budget, Commerce, and Transportation passes a bill broadening the term of machine guns to include bump stocks. This will create more limits on guns and what is called a machine gun. The vote was unanimous.

~ Bo O’Connor

2:20 – Senate Committee Passes Photo Voter ID Bill

Senator Jack Camblos’s highly contentious bill on requiring Photo Voter ID’s in order to register to vote. Senate Majority leader Sam Rosenbaum explained that this bill would marginalize minority groups. Senate Minority Leader Boyd responded, “Democrats don’t care for trustworthy elections.” Points brought up by Senator Marsh furthered the Democrats point arguing that it would only add hurdles to get the right to vote. Senator Matthews responded with the following statistic, “Over 84% of adults believe in Photo Voter Id. This is not a partisan issue, it is an American one.” A few democrats brought up the issue of having a National Agency determine who gets the right to vote and not the states. Senator Ellis was able to clarify that the DMV was involved in the process. The Bill passed the Senate after a close paper ballot. vote.

~ Jasper Barry

Afternoon Updates: Floor Debate

2:33 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Transitional Housing and Child Welfare Act

Morris HR-152 Transitional housing and child welfare act

Majority Leader Sam Rosenbaum stated: “the democratic party would like to support representative Morris’ bill…it helps create a bond between the child and the foster parents.” Minority leader Boyd concurred, “The Republican party also supports. In the foster care system there is great negligence that this, at least for the moment, tries to fix.” This passed unanimously.

~ Isabella Stewart

2:45 – Senate Floor Committee Passes Bill Broadening the Term of Machine Guns

H.R. 923 – This issue at hand is defining what a machine gun is and increasing the range of the term to limit bump stocks on guns. Bump stocks are an accessory that increase the rate of fire on semi-automatic guns. The minority of the senate (republicans) state how they stand by the 1st amendment. The democrats state how there is no need to be armed to this level. The minority states how the people have the right to bear the same arms as the government. The majority states how the bump stock turns semi-automatic weapons into automatic guns. The majority also argues the bump stock is only used to add excessive damage. The minority states that this is unconstitutional because it is picking and choosing what we want on a gun.

~ Bo O’Connor

3:16 – Committee Passes Bill Expanding Prenatal Health Care

This bill aims to improve support and care in prenatal health care. It was passed unanimously with support from both parties.

~ Alex Hodgson

3:17 – Committee Passes Veteran Suicide Support Bill

Andy Paukert Veteran Suicide Support. Veterans struggle with PTSD and acclimation after coming out of service. The bill helps smooth that gap. Bill Passes Unanimously. Both Parties showed support

~ Jasper Barry