This past Sunday, the Rambam Mesivta Rhetoric Team had the privilege of competing at the Annual Yeshiva League Model Congress hosted by HAFTR High Throughout the day, students passionately promoted their bills and defended their beliefs on some of the most pressing issues facing our country. Model Congress allows students to step into the role of United States senators and experience the legislative process firsthand.
Each participant submits a bill within their assigned committee, whether it be Small Business, Armed Forces, or Agriculture. Every bill begins with a three-minute sponsorship speech, followed by two-minute pro and con speeches, each accompanied by four questions from the committee. The debate then concludes with a vote either in favor of the bill or to strike it down. Another highlight of the competition is the crisis bill simulation.
Committees are presented with an unexpected national scenario, such as a sudden trade war or a public scandal involving senior government officials, and are given ten minutes to craft a policy response. After a rapid debate, the committee votes, with only one proposed solution emerging as the final response. This event is one of the few debate competitions takes place fully in person, bringing together more better than 200 students from over 20 schools.
Bills debated ranged widely in scope, including proposals to pay citizens $100 for participating in physical activity in order to encourage a healthier America, reforms to the hybrid public-private partnership of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prevent another 2008-style financial crisis, measures to reduce the burden on current taxpayers, and a bill to end mountaintop removal mining. Rambam Mesivta took home two awards this year.
Yosef Harris earned 1st place in the Agriculture, Energy, Transportation Committee, while David Rabinow secured 2nd place in his committee. Other members who performed exceptionally well included Yaniv Boker (9th), Tzvi Gaerman (10th), Akiva Leider (12th), and Avichai Yosipov (12th).
We also had some of our members in administrative roles, such as Yoni Pfeifer as Presiding Officer, and judges Henach Barningham and Yoni Kogan in their respective committees. A special shoutout goes to team captains Henach Barningham and Yoni Pfeifer for their outstanding leadership and support throughout the season.
They worked closely with each team member, personally helping refine speaking techniques and develop strong, thoughtful legislation for the competition.