SCDL Congress Legislation

Transcription

1 0-0 SCDL Congress Legislation A Resolution to Deny Legal Immunity to All Businesses A Resolution on Access to strategic minerals A Resolution to Hybridize America Fall Debate Bill No. A Resolution to Save America's Economy A Resolution to Allow Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research A Bill to authorize funding for Drug Courts Fall Debate Finals Bill No. A Resolution to minimize the use of antibiotics in the meat industry A Bill to review US Pakistan relations A Bill making all convicted felons who die in prison mandatory organ donors 0 A Resolution to aid the Nation of Yemen A Resolution to pass SKFTA A Resolution to abandon biofuels A Resolution to withdraw from NATO A Resolution to make water safe A Resolution to abolish felony disenfranchisement A Resolution to decommission F- fighter jets A Bill to Establish a Cyber-defense Branch Fall Debate Bill No. A Resolution to ratify the KORUS Free Trade Agreement A Resolution on Pakistan 0 A Resolution to prevent the need for future bank bailouts A Resolution to Stop Making the Penny A Resolution to protect the Pell Grant Fall Debate Finals Bill No. A Resolution to protect water rights A Resolution to regulate private security forces A Resolution to Spur the Development of African Trade A Bill to amend the War Powers Act A Resolution to lift the Cuban Embargo A Bill to add siblings to the FMLA A Resolution to transition away from nuclear power 0 A Resolution to Declare a Palestinian State Fall Debate Bill No. A Resolution to Abolish Party Lines A Resolution to Help Mexico Combat Drug Violence A Resolution to Support the Kyoto Protocol A Bill to Limit Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees A Bill to Eliminate Agricultural Subsidies A Bill to Discontinue U.S. Participation in NAFTA

2 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution to Deny Legal Immunity to All Businesses WHEREAS, The United States Congress has a history of granting legal immunity to businesses who aid the United States government; and WHEREAS, Congress granted legal immunity to cell phone carriers who secretly forwarded telephone conversations to the National Security Agency without warrants; and WHEREAS, The current Protect America Act of 00 allows monitoring of all electronic communications in the United States as well as across the world without a court s order or oversight, as long as it is not targeted at one particular person reasonably believed to be inside the country; and WHEREAS, Domestic spying has become more prevalent as a result, with the government utilizing many telecommunications companies, since many domestic U.S. communications pass outside of the US due to outdated telephone configurations; and WHEREAS, In the Supreme Court Case Katz vs. United States, the Supreme Court held that the Fourth Amendment applied to telephone calls, and that probable cause and a warrant are needed before electronic surveillance of such communications may be conducted; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the Protect America Act of 00 be repealed and any business working or cooperating with the United States government regarding electronic surveillance and or wiretapping be denied legal immunity in the future.

3 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution on Access to Strategic Minerals WHEREAS, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals are critical components of many manufacturing and defense technologies vital to US interests; and WHEREAS, many of these minerals are controlled by a few countries or corporations with the capacity to mine, develop and/or refine them; and WHEREAS, increasing worldwide demand for these elements in computer technologies, energy storage devices, and defense technologies have given these nations and companies unprecedented control over the markets on these strategic minerals; and WHEREAS, recent actions by China, which controls % of the world s supply of rare earth elements, have indicated that country s willingness to use access to these elements as leverage in foreign policy; and WHEREAS, the US has yet to even identify the strategic elements most critical to its defense and economic needs, much less develop a long-range policy in regard to these minerals; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the US government should appoint a joint task force comprised of representatives from the Department of Defense and the National Academies of Science to determine US critical needs of strategic minerals for both defense and economic uses; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the US government should subsidize the development of domestic production and research facilities to process these strategic minerals and/or develop viable alternatives.

4 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Hybridize America WHEREAS, The use of cars running purely on fossil fuels is drastically increasing our dependence on oil; and WHEREAS, By relying solely on cars that utilize fossil fuels, Americans are perpetuating the demand for oil and depleting the supply; and WHEREAS, Gas prices in the United States are increasing, as well as the consumption of oil by individuals; and WHEREAS, The use of Hybrid cars would decrease the total dependence on oil by at least 0 percent; and WHEREAS, Hybrids can run on alternative fuels, decreasing our dependency on fossil fuels, and increasing the fuel options; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Congress here assembled require the Federal Government to mandate that car manufacturers cease all production of automobiles that run solely on fossil fuels.

5 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution to Save America s Economy WHEREAS, The tax code has become too complicated for the average American to interpret; and WHEREAS, The operating cost of the IRS is currently approximately 0 billion dollars; and WHEREAS, The loopholes for the very wealthy and those who are paid without reporting their income to the IRS, such as prostitutes and drug dealers, have prevented the US Government from collecting fair tax percentages from all Americans; and WHEREAS, those who work in the US illegally are not currently paying Federal Income Taxes WHEREAS, A Federal Income Tax would eradicate over half of the money needed to operate the IRS while collecting taxes from all Americans closing all loopholes; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that a federal sales tax of -0 percent on non-food items be implemented to replace the current federal tax structure and procedures.

6 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Allow Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research 0 WHEREAS, embryonic stem cells can be developed without harming a fetus; and WHEREAS, embryonic stem cell research is an important step in curing ailments such as Parkinson s and Lou Gehrig s diseases; and WHEREAS, many scientists are currently reluctant to enter research fields where funding is uncertain; and WHEREAS, Federal funding would provide an opportunity for stem cell research to flourish; and now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that federal funding for embryonic stem cell research shall be mandated.

7 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Bill to authorize funding for Drug Courts BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. Funding for drug courts will be authorized in the following amounts: A. $,000,000 for fiscal year 0 B. $0,000,000 for fiscal year 0 C. $00,000,000 for fiscal year 0 D. $0,000,000 for each of fiscal years 0 through 0. SECTION. Drug courts will retain judicial power over offenders with substance abuse problems. SECTION. Drug courts will retain the power to sentence offenders to substance abuse treatment, mandatory periodic testing for drug use, and fines relating to both the cost of treatment and any damages. SECTION. This law will go into effect May, 0. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

8 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to minimize the use of antibiotics in the meat industry WHEREAS, Seventy percent of all antibiotics used in the United States goes to food animal production; and WHEREAS, The meat industry use antibiotics to promote the growth of cows and pigs rather than to treat illnesses; and WHEREAS, The overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistant microbes that kill over 00,000 people each year; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Student Congress here assembled require that antibiotics be used by the food industry only to treat sick animals; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, all antibiotics used in the meat industry be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Introduced by Harker Heights High School

9 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Bill to Review US Pakistan Relations BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. The United States will cease any future funding to the country of Pakistan. SECTION. Funding shall be defined as both military and humanitarian aid. SECTION. This law will take effect within six months of passage. SECTION. A. The Committee on Foreign Affairs of each chamber will begin an investigation on all appropriations granted to Pakistan prior to this legislation. B. The Committee on Foreign Affairs of each chamber will then create a review on the appropriations granted to Pakistan. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced by Spring Woods High School

10 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Bill Designating all Convicted Felons who die in Prison Mandatory Organ Donors BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. All prisoners in the United States convicted of felonies shall be listed as an organ donor in the national registry until such time as they have served the time sentenced for their crimes. SECTION. Upon release from their sentence, they may submit a request removing themselves from the national registry. SECTION. Those prisoners who die while serving their sentences will have all usable organs donated for use by the national registry. SECTION. Upon passage of this bill, all prisoners in the United States will be entered into the national registry. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

11 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO A Resolution to Aid the Nation of Yemen WHEREAS, The government and economy Yemen is spiraling into complete ruin and it seems inevitable that Yemen will soon become a failed state; and WHEREAS, A water crisis has erupted inside the country as many aquifers and basins have been completely depleted; and WHEREAS, A new branch of Al Qaeda called Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has taken root in Yemen and is considered a deadlier threat than all the other Al Qaeda branches by many experts; and WHEREAS, The international community has been slow and reluctant to help support or provide aid for the Yemen government; and WHEREAS, The Yemen government is caught in intense riots and the Yemeni dictator is rapidly losing popularity; and WHEREAS, UNICEF has reported concern on the health and wellbeing of the Yemeni children and innocent civilians caught in the turmoil; and WHEREAS, Failure to prop up such an ailing nation could have long term catastrophic results or create another Somalia-like country; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the US government send economic aid to international humanitarian organizations in Yemen currently. FURTHER RESOLVED, the United States encourage stabilization of the Yemeni government by asking opposition parties to meet at Washington DC this fall to discuss a peaceful negotiation and compromise for the country s future.

12 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Pass SKFTA WHEREAS, free trade is proven to add global stability; and WHEREAS, South Korea has been a major trading partner with the United States for several years; and WHEREAS, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would provide jobs and add to our GDP; and WHEREAS, a FTA would improve our relations and influence within volatile region of East Asia; and WHEREAS, a South Korea Free Trade Agreement could lead to easier ratification of other important FTAs such as Columbia; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the South Korean Free Trade Agreement be passed.

13 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution to Abandon Biofuels WHEREAS, the United States federal government currently subsidizes the production of ethanol and other biofuels by cent/gal; and WHEREAS, biofuels require significant amounts of land to produce; and WHEREAS, the United States does not possess the production capacity to significantly replace petroleum demands with biofuels; and WHEREAS, food prices have seen record highs in 0and global population growth may eclipse food production; and WHEREAS, biofuel production may discourage traditional food crop production or encourage use of food crops for that purpose; and WHEREAS, protectionist policies hinder economic development in agriculture dependent economies; and WHEREAS, foreign nations have reacted to existing subsidies with anti-dumping and other legislation; and WHEREAS, the reduction of carbon emissions from biofuel use is marginal at best; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the US abandon biofuel production subsidies as a means of achieving a sustainable energy economy. Introduced by Houston Lamar High School

14 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Withdraw from NATO WHEREAS, The United States is currently the largest spender in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and WHEREAS, Withdrawal from NATO could save 0 billion dollars per year for American taxpayers WHEREAS, NATO consists of member states, and its charter deals solely with the defense of said member states, and WHEREAS, After the fall of the Soviet Union, said charter has been mostly fulfilled, and WHEREAS, The United Nations, another supranational organization, is more inclusive and representative of the world s states and interests; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Student Congress here assembled withdraw all military and economic assets from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the United States shift all assets currently deployed in NATO to the United Nations

15 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution to Make Water Safe WHEREAS, millions of Americans are exposed to tap water each day that poses a serious health risk even though the water meets current government standards for safe drinking water; and WHEREAS, the Safe Water Drinking Act regulates only chemical contaminates out of nearly 00 that have a proven association with the risk of cancer and other serious diseases even in small concentrations; and WHEREAS, Environmental Protection Agency data indicates that more than 0 percent of water facilities have violated federal water standards, with some violations continuing for more than a decade; and WHEREAS, these violations have occurred in every state; and WHEREAS, violations of the Clean Water Act, including oil spills and dumping of dangerous chemicals into lakes, rivers, and other waters that serve as sources for municipal water facilities, have increased significantly over the last decade; and WHEREAS, the EPA has failed to prosecute the vast majority of the violations it is charged with enforcing, including more than 00 flagrant violations in the last decade; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the EPA should revise its safe water standards to include regulation of all known toxins that pose a health risk at levels safe for consumption, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the EPA should stringently enforce water standards by prosecuting violators of the Safe Water Drinking Act and of the Clean Water Act.

16 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Abolish Felony Disenfranchisement WHEREAS, many felonies are relatively non serious crimes; and WHEREAS, felony disenfranchisement discriminates against racial minorities; and WHEREAS, felony disenfranchisement can impact the results of an election; and WHEREAS, felons who vote are less like to commit a crime again; and WHEREAS, a truly democratic society must allow all its members to vote; and WHEREAS, felony disenfranchisement is a violation of the fourteenth and twenty-sixth amendment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, by the Congress here assembled that felony disenfranchisement is abolished for all elections in the United States

17 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to decommission F- fighter jets WHEREAS, the United States currently does not utilize the F- fighter jet for anything but drills; and WHEREAS, the jets have not been used in a single live combat mission; and WHEREAS, it costs 0 million dollars to construct as well as to research and develop a single jet; and WHEREAS, the United States government planned on building of these fighter jets by 0; and WHEREAS, the United States of America is in a fiscally precarious position; and WHEREAS, the fighter jets currently deployed in combat are strong deterrents, are cheaper to rebuild, and are field tested; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the United States federal government should decommission the F- program.

18 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Bill to Establish A Cyber-Defense Branch BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. The United States will hereby establish a branch dedicated to Cyber- Defense that will consolidate online security and coordinate policies. SECTION. The branch will oversee military and domestic threats to online assets as well as create governmental regulations to increase US information security. SECTION. A. The Department of Defense will oversee the passage of the bill as well as the branch itself. B. Funding for this branch will start at $00 million. SECTION. This law will take effect within a year of passage. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

19 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Ratify the KORUS Free Trade Agreement WHEREAS, The United States is facing an economic crisis; and WHEREAS, Nations are expected to pass the United States as the world s leading economy in the next century; and WHEREAS, South Korea has nations around it that have proven themselves to be hostile; and WHEREAS, South Korea s economy is heavily trade dependent; and WHEREAS, This would increase US presence in East Asia WHEREAS, South Korea has the world s th largest economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Student Congress here assembled ratify the KORUS FTA

20 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Resolution on Pakistan WHEREAS, Osama Bin Laden was found to be hiding in Paqkistan and was killed there by U.S. forces; and WHEREAS, the nation has been known to hide information on terrorist related activities; and WHEREAS, some Pakistani military officials have been caught collaborating with members of Al Qaida; and WHEREAS, Pakistan does seem to become a growing threat to the United States national security; and WHEREAS, the Pakistani government seems to be increasingly unstable; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that Pakistani foreign aid will only be sent to fund anti-poverty and education programs for all citizens until the nation cooperates fully on anti-terrorism efforts ; and let it be FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the Pakistani government uses foreign aid on military programs all aid will be stopped immediately until the nation agrees fully with our conditions.

21 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to prevent the need for future bank bail outs WHEREAS, Recent bank bail outs cost the American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars; and WHEREAS, The current plan to break up and divest the assets of failing banks will not be successful if multiple banking giants experience problems at the same time; and WHEREAS, The only competitive advantage for a bank to control over $00 billion in assets is the reassurance that the government will consider it too big to fail ; and WHEREAS, The expectation of being bailed out by the government leads the banking giants indulge in poor business practices; now therefore let it be RESOLVED, That the Student Congress here assembled follow the lead of the United Kingdom and cap the size of banks at $00 billion in assets.

22 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A RESOLUTION TO STOP MAKING THE PENNY WHEREAS, the U. S. economy is recovering from a serious economic recession; and WHEREAS, since 00 the cost to manufacture the penny has been greater than the face value of the coin due to rising metal prices; and WHEREAS, the manufacturing cost has been steadily rising, reaching. cents to make each penny in 00; and WHEREAS, it has been estimated that the United States wastes $00 million a year on penny production and handling; and WHEREAS, the penny is no longer useful in today s society; and 0 WHEREAS, other countries have been able to eliminate their one-cent coin without problems; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, by the Congress here assembled, that the United States should end the production of the penny.

23 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Protect Funding for the Pell Grant WHEREAS, the Pell Grant constitutes the backbone of many students financial aid; and WHEREAS, due to the economic recession, more students meet the criteria to apply for Pell Grants; and WHEREAS, the cuts made to the Pell Grant have decreased the number of students who can receive the grants; and WHEREAS, the cuts have greatly diminished the amount of aid given to students already receiving the grant; and WHEREAS, without this grant many students would be unable to attend college for financial reasons; and now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that funding for the Pell Grant be returned to 00 levels.

24 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Protect Water Rights WHEREAS, the th amendment to the constitution of the United State states that it forbids states from denying any person "life, liberty or property, without due process of law ; and WHEREAS, current water rights exist according to necessity and are typically dictated by the individual state; and WHEREAS, water is a necessity; and WHEREAS, many states are drafting or trying to enact legislation that plans to establish fees for property owners to use their own well; and WHEREAS, these fees would directly violate the th amendment by taking property rights with out due process of law and override current water rights; therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the federal government will make placing a fee on owners of wells using their water by any state legislation illegal.

25 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Regulate Private Security Forces WHEREAS, the US military as well as many US-based corporations regularly contract private security forces to fulfill a variety of duties in foreign countries; and WHEREAS, these private security forces, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, are frequently the source of corruption, waste, and numerous human rights abuses; and WHEREAS, private security forces can sometimes undermine the authority of legitimate governments; and WHEREAS, laws governing the conduct of these workers are nebulous, allowing companies like Blackwater to engage in illegal activities like assault, rape, murder, and human trafficking with impunity, and; WHEREAS, these forces often undermine counterinsurgency and peacekeeping efforts in countries around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that any private security forces contracted by the US military or any US-owned corporation must agree to the standards of conduct established by the Montreaux Document.

26 0 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Spur the Development of African Trade WHEREAS, Africa has a wellspring of natural and human resources that have been relatively untapped by the international arena until recent years; WHEREAS, Almost a million Chinese businessmen and workers have relocated themselves to Africa in recent years; WHEREAS, The Chinese administration has sought business ties in Africa with increasing interest; WHEREAS, African ports are among the least secure and developed in the world and pose a security risk for future import of narcotics and illegal weapons to the United States; RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the United States government will lift or reduce all restrictions on trade, with an exception of restrictions that control quality or govern safety, between the United States and African countries currently receiving aid or may have potential for port development. Exclusions are countries that currently harbor American troops for non-peacekeeping activities, are led by leaders condemned by the United States government, or do not have ongoing diplomatic ties with the United States; FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States send aid or low-interest loans, overseen by United States government-appointed commissions, to African countries that are eligible as determined by previously listed attributes and are wholly receptive to port-development plans. Allocated funds will go to, and only to, the rehabilitation or construction ports, the training of responsible port inspectors and management, and the modernization of security technology and methodologies.

27 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 0 A Bill to Amend the War Powers Act BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. A. of the War Powers Resolution(0 U.S.C -) shall be amended as The President in every instance must report to Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces (USAF) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances. The USAF may only be introduced after a majority vote has been reached in both houses of Congress agreeing to the deployment of the USAF. After every such introduction the President shall consult weekly with this Congress until United States Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities or have been removed from such situations. B. (b) of The War Powers Resolution shall be amended as If a majority vote has not been reached by both houses of this Congress, or the President s report is required to be submitted pursuant to (a)() of this title, whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), and this Congress shall revoke all appropriations to the Department of Defense (as defined in 0 U.S.C) until the use of United States Armed Forces has been terminated SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The revoked funding shall be reallocated to State Governments in the form of Block grants for the purpose of Education funding. A. The Department of Defense (DoD) shall be responsible for complying with the terms of this legislation. B. In the event the President does not comply with the terms of this legislation, this Congress shall begin the process to impeach the President. This law will take effect within six months of passage. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

28 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Lift the Cuban Embargo WHEREAS, the Cuban embargo has had detrimental effect to the human rights of Cuban citizens; and WHEREAS, the United States has lost a potential trade partner in Cuba, especially that of oil; and WHEREAS, Raul Castro is willing to enter into diplomatic talks with the United States; and WHEREAS, the Cuban embargo is no longer needed to fulfill its Cold War purpose; so be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the Cuban Embargo enacted by the United States be lifted.

29 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Bill to Add Siblings to the FMLA BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. Siblings are hereby included as eligible immediate family for the Family Medical Leave Act benefits. SECTION. A person who has been employed for twelve months is eligible for up to twelve months of unpaid leave to care for a sibling. SECTION. Medical Insurance must not be discontinued due to absence from employment due to circumstances related to Family Medical Leave that relates to the care of a sibling. SECTION. This law will take effect within six months of passage. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

30 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution to Transition Away From Nuclear Power WHEREAS, In light of catastrophic events in Japan regarding the dangers of nuclear energy; and WHEREAS, Over nuclear power plants in the United States are near areas frequently hit by natural disasters; and WHEREAS, Power plants pose a significant threat to the United States in the event a natural disaster damages a power plant; and WHEREAS, Nuclear power has created a large amount of hazardous waste; and WHEREAS, American citizens living near nuclear power plants have a high risk of cancer and other health risks; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Congress here assembled require the Federal Government to begin a steady transition away from nuclear power to a safer alternative energy source.

31 0 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A Resolution To Declare A Palestinian State WHEREAS, The million people who live in the territories now controlled by the Palestinian Authority deserve the right to self-determination and statehood; and, WHEREAS, There have been no meaningful discussions between the PA and the state of Israel for the past four years; and WHEREAS, History has shown that mounting tensions between the Jewish State and the people of Palestine worsens U.S.-Arab relations worldwide; and WHEREAS, The United Nations recognized Israel in and authorized its creation from lands formerly known as Palestine; and WHEREAS, a formal request to the UN for statehood recognition has been made by the PA and is pending action by both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council; therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Congress here assembled that the United States government will support the Palestinian statehood application; and its representatives in the Security Council and the General Assembly will be instructed to cast affirmative votes for such a declaration; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that Israel shall be requested to enter into immediate negotiations with the PA to establish boundaries and a capitol city for the new nation, and that should Israel reject such discussions, all military assistance provided by the United States shall be suspended until such talks are held.

32 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution To Abolish Party Lines 0 WHEREAS, the current party factions encourage petty disputes and prevent the passage of effective legislation, WHEREAS, the ideal face of any government should be an united front, WHEREAS, historical leaders like George Washington had advised against party factions, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Student Congress here assembled that all formal political parties be abolished and that all candidates must run as non-partisans.

33 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Help Mexico Combat Drug Violence WHEREAS, The Mexican government has proven wholly ineffective in fighting drug violence from without and corruption within its own ranks; and WHEREAS, The current level of material support being lent by the United States to Mexico has not been enough to restrain the cartels; and WHEREAS, Clashes between drug cartels and the Mexican government have become increasingly destructive, claiming,00 lives in the past year; and WHEREAS: Violence related to the cartels has already begun to spill over into border states such as Texas and New Mexico and, if left unchecked, will inevitably spread., therefore, be it RESOLVED by this Student Congress here assembled that the United States should lend the Mexican government more funding, personnel and expertise in order to support it in its war against the drug cartels.

34 0 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A Resolution to Support the Kyoto Protocol WHEREAS, The United States continues to be one of the world's leading polluters and strongest economies; and WHEREAS, International cooperation is required to address problems such as global climate change, food shortages, epidemics, and natural disasters; and WHEREAS, The United States is mending its relationship with major allies such as the European Union; and WHEREAS, President Barack Obama deserves the support of Congress in promoting peace and multilateralism; and WHEREAS, The United States soft power was significantly damaged by the rejection of several international institutions and treaties such as the Rome Statute; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Student Congress here assembled move to have the United States sign and ratify the Kyoto Protocol; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That this congress moves to assist other nations act in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol.

35 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A BILL TO LIMIT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT SECTION. Collective bargaining for Public Sector employees will be limited by the provisions in this section. A. Limit collective bargaining for public sector employees to wages. Total wage increases will not exceed a cap based on inflation unless approved by a referendum. B. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new contract I s settled. C. Collective bargaining units will be required to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union. D. Employers would be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units will not be required to pay union dues. SECTION. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. SECTION. The Department of Labor will oversee enforcement of this legislation.

36 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. A BILL TO ELIMINATE AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT SECTION. The United States will eliminate all agricultural subsidies. SECTION. This bill shall go in effect on July, 0. SECTION. The Department of Agriculture shall be responsible for the enforcement of this bill. SECTION. All other pieces of legislation in conflict with this legislation are declared null and void by the passage of this bill. SECTION. Money left over from the elimination of subsidies will go toward deficit reduction.

37 SCDL CONGRESS LEGISLATION NO. 0 A RESOLUTION TO DISCONTINUE U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN NAFTA WHEREAS, The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has not achieved its intended purpose of facilitating fair trade among separate, sovereign countries; and WHEREAS, NAFTA has led to an exodus of American jobs and job opportunities; and WHEREAS, NAFTA has exacerbated economic and political disparities between social classes in the United States; and WHEREAS, NAFTA has deepened trade deficits among United States border nations; and WHEREAS, NAFTA no longer serves any strategic purpose; therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Student Congress here assembled that the United States shall hereby end its participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement.