Lesson Report:
# Lesson Report: Senate Bill Simulation and Policy Positions
## Synopsis:
In this session, students participated in a legislative simulation exercise where they represented different U.S. senators and analyzed their policy positions on a proposed Senate bill. The class focused on understanding how various senators approach key issues such as military aid, border security, economic policy, and foreign assistance. Students began by reviewing the bill, identifying their assigned senator’s stance on key provisions, and summarizing their findings. The session concluded with a discussion on next steps, including preparing for the amendment and debate phases in the next class.
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## Attendance:
– At least one student (Hamdahm) experienced connectivity issues and was unable to participate fully.
– No additional mentions of absent students.
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## Topics Covered:
### **Introduction to Senate Bill Simulation**
– The instructor introduced a legislative simulation where students would analyze a Senate bill with four major categories.
– Each student was assigned a senator and tasked with understanding their positions based on past policies and voting records.
– Students accessed the bill details on the course platform (e-course).
### **Independent Research on Assigned Senators**
– Students took time to review how their assigned senator would respond to provisions in the bill.
– Focused on four key policy areas:
– Military aid to Ukraine
– Border security policies
– Economic and technology investment priorities
– Foreign humanitarian assistance and democracy promotion
### **Summary of Senator Policy Positions**
– Each student gave a brief summary of their senator’s stance:
– **Mitch McConnell**: Supports strengthening U.S. alliances, military aid to Ukraine, and global U.S. influence.
– **Josh Hawley**: Isolationist, opposes global commitments like aid to Ukraine, strongly supports border security.
– **Kyrsten Sinema**: Centrist, strong on border security, cautious support for Ukraine, pro-business policies.
– **Chris Murphy**: Pro-diplomacy, favors multilateralism, supports Ukraine within measured limits.
– **Bernie Sanders**: (Discussion postponed due to technical difficulties).
– Instructor provided additional context on their policy leanings and interest groups they represent.
### **Preparation for Debate and Amendment Process**
– Instructor emphasized that students should prepare specific amendment suggestions for their senator’s stance.
– Encouraged students to consider:
– Whether their senator supports or opposes funding levels.
– Provisions or restrictions they might want altered.
– New conditions or clauses that align with their senator’s policy outlook.
– Clarified flexibility in budget allocation among bill categories.
### **Next Class Preview**
– Students will refine their senator’s policy positions.
– The debate phase will begin with each student presenting their official stance.
– Notes must be taken on peer arguments for future negotiations.
– Final goal: Propose and vote on amendments to pass or reject the bill.
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## Actionable Items:
### **For Monday’s Class (High Priority)**
– **Hamdahm**: Prepare Bernie Sanders’ policy summary for class discussion.
– **All Students**: Finalize senator positions and draft potential amendments.
– **Prepare Opening Statements**: Each student must be ready to defend their senator’s proposals and respond to others.
### **General Reminders**
– Consider redistributing the allocated budget across bill categories.
– Be ready to negotiate and debate compromises.
– Instructor will return graded papers soon.
### **Future Considerations**
– Continue monitoring student engagement and participation, especially those with connectivity issues.
– Ensure students understand the balance between realism and creativity in proposing amendments.
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This report captures key elements of the session and outlines necessary preparations to ensure continued engagement in the legislative simulation.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Policy Positions and Bill Amendments
For this assignment, you will refine your understanding of your assigned senator’s policy positions and draft potential amendments to the bill under discussion. This exercise will prepare you for the upcoming debate phase, where you will defend your senator’s stance and propose changes to the bill.
Instructions:
1. Review the bill found on eCourse, paying close attention to its four major categories.
2. Examine how your assigned senator has historically approached these policy areas. Consider their voting history, public statements, and affiliations with interest groups.
3. Identify specific provisions in the bill that align or conflict with your senator’s established positions.
4. Draft a set of proposed changes that reflect your senator’s priorities. This may include:
– Supporting or opposing certain funding allocations (e.g., $15 billion for lethal aid to Ukraine).
– Modifying restrictions or conditions within the bill.
– Redistributing funding between different areas, or creating new provisions.
5. While exact figures and detailed calculations are not required, provide a general rationale for how your senator would approach these categories.
6. Be prepared to present and discuss your proposed changes in the next class session.
During the next class, you will discuss these amendments, engage in debate with your peers, and work toward building a final version of the bill. Be ready to take notes on others’ arguments and consider potential compromises.