This programme sees two former members of the US Congress, one Republican and one Democrat, come to The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich to speak about their experiences of being part of the American legislature.
The Arthur Miller Institute for American Studies and UEA's Department of American Studies welcomes the British Library’s Congress to Campus programme to UEA for the first time.
This event is open to individuals and group bookings from sixth forms and colleges. Please register your interest using the following links:
Event overview
As the former Members of Congress reflect on their time in government, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session. Want to know about the struggles of an American election campaign and fund-raising? Come along and ask. Ask about the difficulties of an increasingly divided politics, about how legislation actually gets passed, as well as how people from different parties can work together and what actually goes on behind the scenes in Congress.
This event is a great opportunity to hear about the workings of politics from the perspective of those who participated on the ground and it will offer insights that can be used in coursework and exams for both American and comparative politics requirements.
Speakers
Loretta Sanchez (Democrat – California) served in the House of Representatives from 1997 to 2017. She represented California’s 46th and 47th Districts during her time in office. A member of the moderate to conservative wing of the Democratic Party, she served on both the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Armed Services, where she was its most senior female member.
Gregory Walden (Republican – Oregon) served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2021. He represented Oregon’s 2nd District during his time in office, having previously served in the Oregon State Legislature. He was Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, responsible for supporting the election of Republicans to Congress, from 2012 to 2016. He also served on the Committee on Energy and Security.
Timetable (subject to change)
09.30: arrival and registration
10.00-12.30: Session with Members of Congress
12.30-13.30: Lunch and campus tour
13.30-14.30: Enrichment session with UEA Outreach Team
14.30-15.00: Wrap up and departure