Committee Description

As one of the U.S. Senate’s original ten standing committees, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has been essential in deciding how the United States interacts with and influences the rest of the world at large. In this committee, delegates will be asked to consider foreign policy issues brought before each of three adapted Foreign Relations Subcommittees: USAID - Spending on Foreign Development Aid, Taiwan - Relationships and Partnerships to Combat Chinese Growth; Trade and Infrastructure Development in Africa. Set in the 2013 Senate, delegates in each of these subcommittees will discuss and debate the U.S.’s role on the global stage and how, if at all, it must change. 

The primary goal of this committee is to find consensus among a divided senate and push forward American foreign policy goals. Cooperation across party lines is essential to the realization of these goals, requiring delegates to strike a balance between passing their own policies and fostering agreement in the U.S. government. 

The Subcommittee on development aid will focus on USAID spending on foreign development, considering the United States’ role in aiding foreign governments in their pursuit of economic growth and political stability. This subcommittee will particularly focus on USAID’s main source of spending: health related aid. 

The Subcommittee on Taiwan and our dynamic economic and political relationship will deliberate partnerships and trade deals to combat Chinese control of industries. We will also reflect on America’s long-standing history with Taiwan and reshape our future relationship without causing tensions to flare with China. 

Lastly, the Subcommittee on African development will focus on the development of trade and infrastructure in Africa, including discussion of how the United States should interact with African governmental bodies and budget money to aid them in their development goals. This committee will place a unique emphasis on aid without perpetuating imperialism and neo-colonialism. 

Beyond these specific topics, delegates must be prepared to respond to the unpredictable setbacks that inevitably arise in Congress. This advanced committee will allow delegates to use their economic and political knowledge to debate matters of international importance and assess the part the United States plays on the world stage. Topics in this committee are sensitive in nature, and we expect advanced delegates to use their judgment to pursue diplomatic solutions to the problems that impact real people today. There will be zero tolerance for any rhetoric or policy that discriminates against any particular group, makes fun of sensitive topics, or attempts to create setbacks for the committee as a whole.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Raphaëlle Muller-Feuga at spec@ssuns.org

Christian Bonadio

Chair

Ben Krashinsky

Vice-Chair

Liliana Thomsen

Vice-Chair

Peter Katz

Vice-Chair