In 2008, Winter Congress will be held the weekend of February 22-24 in Washington, D.C.

Every February, the Junior State of America holds a three-day simulation of the United States Congress, where students are put in the shoes of legislators and must combine their political as well as debating skills in order to succeed. Held in Washington D.C., JSA members (called “delegates”) formulate bills which they must propose it in both a mock House of Representatives and a mock Senate. 

One sponsoring delegate defends the bill in the House, while another defends it in the Senate. For the first two days of the convention, all statesmen are divided into different House and Senate committees where these bills are debated and then voted on. If both the House and the Senate committees pass a bill, then the bill goes on to much larger full House and full Senate rooms on Sunday. If a bill passes once again, then it is considered ratified. Typically, out of hundreds of bills, only a handful become law. Most delegates’ bills address some of America’s most controversial issues.

When not debating legislation, the delegates take trips to legislators’ offices on Capital Hill to hear from a wide variety of speakers. Past guest speakers have included senators, congressmen, representatives from private lobbyist organizations, and even ambassadors including Sudan’s Andrew Natsios.

During their free time, the delegates enjoy the Washington, D.C. scene by dining and shopping at the local mall. Winter Congress’ nighttime activates include two dances (one per night!), a scavenger hunt, Master Debater, and Quiz Bowl. The Junior State also sponsors numerous service activities, allowing delegates to give back to their community.

On the final day of the convention, just before closing session, any delegate may announce his or her candidacy for an elected office in the Mid-Atlantic State, New Jersey Region, or South Atlantic Region. This exciting declaration session completes what is often regarded as the most prestigious and engaging convention offered by the Junior State of America.

For more information about Winter Congress, please contact Governor Bryan Matis (bmatis@jsa.org) or call the JSA office in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-317-9338.