2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

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Table of Contents

The American Legion Boys Nation 75th Session

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, America can remain strong and ensure our freedom for future generations.

The American Legion, through its youth activities programs, plays a leading role in the development of tomorrow’s informed, responsible citizens. Programs such as American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation are our finest examples of citizenship instruction for youth.

American Legion Boys State is a unique summertime edu-

cational program that does not emphasize classroom lecture and textbook learning. Instead, it focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials. It is designed to mirror the structure and operation of its respective state government.

Boys States select two of their most outstanding participants to represent them each year at American Legion Boys Nation. Conducted in Washington, D.C., it is here that the boys are introduced to the structure and function of the federal government. Actual participation in the political process is highlighted through the week’s activities to include the organization of party conventions, platforms, the Boys Nation Sen-

ate and the nomination and election of a Boys Nation President and Vice President.

The historic 75 th session of American Legion Boys Nation took place during trying times, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many Boys State programs to meet in 2021 virtually rather than in-person, while others were forced to cancel altogether. The Americanism Commission, intent on providing a full slate of 100 young men the opportunity to experience Boys Nation, allowed several Boys State programs — selected at random — to send additional delegates to the landmark session.

The first American Legion Boys Nation (then called Boys Forum of National Government) was held on the campus

The

American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

of American University, Washington, D.C., in August 1946. The 1946 National Convention of The American Legion in San Francisco, Calif., officially adopted it as a major youth activity of The American Legion. In 1949, the name of the program was changed to “American Legion Boys Nation.”

Four universities have hosted Boys Nation since its inception. From 1946 through 1951, and from 1969 to 1985, the program was conducted at American University. From 1952 through 1967, it was held at the University of Maryland. The site of the 1968 program was Georgetown University. In 1986, the program was moved to its present site at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Speakers and presenters at Boys Nation include individuals holding national elected and appointed positions within the fed-

eral government, organization and lay leaders of national notoriety and, at times, youth leaders who had previously experienced Boys Nation.

During a visit to Capitol Hill, Boys Nation Senators meet with U.S. Senators from their home states. They also participate in a solemn and dignified wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Boys Nation has been received by several Presidents of the United States. President Harry S. Truman, a life member of American Legion Post 21 in Independence, Mo., met with senators from 1947 through 1951. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a life member of James R. Cutler Post 39, Abilene, Kan., met the delegates in 1956 and 1957. President John F. Kennedy, a member of Crosscup-Pishon Post 281, Boston, Mass., met the Senators in the Rose Garden

in 1962 and 1963. President Lyndon B. Johnson, a life member of Memorial Highway Post 352, Blanco, Texas, spoke with the Senators in 1967. In 1970 and 1971, the Boys Nation Senators were addressed by President Richard M. Nixon, a member of Whittier Post 51, Whittier, Calif. President Gerald R. Ford, a life member of Furniture City Post 258 in Grand Rapids, Mich., spoke to Boys Nation in 1975 and again during the special Bicentennial Boys/Girls Nation program in 1976. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter, a life member of Americus Post 2, Americus, Ga., greeted delegates. In 1984 and also 1986 through 1988, President Ronald Reagan, a life member of Pacific Palisades Post 283, Pacific Palisades, Calif., met with the Boys Nation Senators in the White House. Boys Nation was received by George Bush during his presidency in 1992 and Pres-

ident Bill Clinton, the first graduate of Boys Nation to be elected to the U.S. Presidency, met with the senators each year of his administration. President George W. Bush met with Boys Nation Senators seven times. President Barack Obama met with the Boys Nation Senators six times.

In 2017 President Donald Trump met with the Boys Nation Senators in the White House Rose Garden. In 2018 and 2019 Boys Nation Senators met with Vice President Mike Pence. In 2020 and 2021 there were no White House visits due to the coronavirus pandemic.

American Legion Boys Nation is a program conducted by the Americanism Commission of The American Legion. Correspondence may be directed to the program by writing: American Legion Boys Nation, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 or by email to americanism@legion.org

Letters from PNC Oxford & Chairman Anderson

Dear Senator,

James W. “Bill”

July 2021

I am delighted to send greetings to the alumni of The American Legion’s Boys Nation Senate of 2021. I hope that your experience in our Nation’s Capital was enjoyable and you came away from the Boys Nation program with fresh understanding and renewed enthusiasm for our system of federal government.

The 75th anniversary session of American Legion Boys Nation has given you an opportunity to become better informed on important matters that are facing this nation now and in the years to come. May you use that knowledge wisely. Share your experience with others and encourage them to become involved and take an interest in their government and the responsibilities of American citizenship.

As you review this yearbook, we hope you will reflect thoughtfully upon your week in Washington, D.C. and relive the events of your “week that shapes a lifetime.” I am confident that you will recall fond memories of the many lessons learned and friendships gained.

It was a pleasure associating with each of you and I appreciated the insightful questions you asked. The American Legion and its nearly 2 million members are proud to have made your Boys Nation experience possible. You are wonderful ambassadors for our program and upstanding young citizens of our nation. Best wishes in all of your future endeavors.

James W. “Bill” Oxford

Richard

Dear Senator,

July 2021

On behalf of the Americanism Commission of The American Legion and the dedicated volunteer members who donate their time and talents to serve on the American Legion Boys Nation staff, I extend to you heartfelt ap preciation for giving us opportunity to share a week with you and other future leaders of this country. A great future lies ahead of you, and you have taken a giant step toward preparing for it.

Please share your experience with others, especially your classmates. When you take a leadership role at school or within your community, draw upon the invaluable lessons you learned at American Legion Boys Nation.

I wish you great success on the path to where life takes you. May the spirit of American Legion Boys Nation remain in your heart, and when you drive by an American Legion post, I hope you will recall an exceptional experience that helped you grow as a person and as an American.

Richard W. Anderson

Schedule of Events

Day 1 Friday, July 23

• Delegate arrival at Marymount University

• Section meetings

• Political party receptions and ice cream social

Day 2 Saturday, July 24

• Welcome assembly and general orientation

• Oath of office

• Legislative assembly and orientation

• Party conventions

• Senate committees

• First Boys Nation Senate session

• Section meetings

Day 3 Sunday, July 25

• Boys Nation memorial service

• Boys Nation Senate session

• Senate committees

• “Legion Night” dinner and program at Greenbelt Legion Post 136

• Tour of National Mall

• Section meetings

Day 4 Monday, July 26

• Arlington National Cemetery visit and wreath presentation at the Tomb of the Unknowns

• Visit Iwo Jima Memorial

• Party conventions

• Section meetings

Day 5 Tuesday, July 27

• Guest speaker Dr. Matthew Spalding, Hillsdale College

• Party conventions

• Boys Nation Senate sessions

• Presidential and vice presidential candidate debates

• Boys Nation elections

Day 6 Wednesday, July 28

• Inauguration of Boys Nation President and Vice President

• Guest speaker Kristen Soltis Anderson, host of SiriusXM’s “Trendline”

• Virtual visit by American Legion Auxiliary National President Nicole Clapp

• Boys Nation Senate sessions

• Twilight Tattoo

• Boys Nation President and Vice President are guests on the Jim Bohannon radio show

Day 7 Thursday, July 29

• Virtual visits with U.S. Senators

• Guest speaker Lawrence Montreuil, American Legion Legislative Division Director

• Boys Nation Senate sessions

• Guest speaker Nathan Wang, 2019 Boys Nation Alumnus

• Boys Nation alumni panel

Day 8 Friday, July 30

• Final Boys Nation Senate session

• Visit to Smithsonian

• Banquet dinner

• Graduation and farewell assembly

Day 9 Saturday, July 31

• Depart for home

DAY 1 Friday, July 23

“Hello, Senator. Welcome to Washington, D.C.”

Words that have been spoken thousands of times to thousands of young men from across the U.S. as they arrive in Washington, D.C., to represent their Boys State programs at American Legion Boys Nation. The 75th session began as so many others have before, with 100 Boys Nation senators traveling to the nation’s capital—most by air, but some driven to Marymount University by their parents—to begin “a week that shapes a lifetime.” After checking in, receiving Boys Nation polos and room keys and getting their photos taken, the senators unpacked and started mingling.

In 2021 several Boys State programs found it necessary to again cancel due lingering concerns related to the corona virus global pandemic. The Americanism Commission of The American Legion was nonetheless still determined to maximize the Boys Nation experience for 100 young men.

To that end, a random drawing of alternate Boys Nation delegates from programs who were able to conduct a 2021 Boys State program allowed for backfilling Boys Nation vacancies resulting from canceled programs. In doing so the delegates that were selected to backfill did not represent their home state when the Boys Nation Senate was in session, but instead participated in senate proceedings as a Boys Nation senator of the state for which they were randomly selected to represent. This innovative approach allowed 30 young men to experience Boys Nation had they not had been randomly selected as a vacancy backfill.

Boys Nation participants arrive at Marymount University. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 1 Friday, July 23

Boys Nation Junior Counselor Christian Dykson greets incoming senators as they get set up in the dorms at Marymount University. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen
New arrivals at Marymount University get briefed on what lies ahead for them during their week at Boys Nation. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

DAY 1 Friday, July 23

Minnesota Boys Nation Senator Devon Selmon gets to know other participants as they gather at Marymount University. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen
From left, senators representing Illinois, Edward Gonet IV (MA), and Michael Scoville (MA) and District of Columbia Senator Matthew Dowd join other Boys Nation participants for walk through the Marymount University campus. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

DAY 1 Friday, July 23

The
2021 Boys Nation participants assemble for Colors at Marymount University. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

DAY 2 Saturday, July 24

“If we work together, we can accomplish more.”

Eddy Gonet’s plea for bipartisanship helped encourage his fellow Boys Nation senators to elect Gonet as the president pro tempore on Saturday night, the first full day of the 75th session of Boys Nation.

Gonet, a Massachusetts Boys Stater selected to represent Illinois at Boys Nation, and Delaware’s Andrew Iskandar (secretary of the senate) were elected to their respective offices. Gonet was one of 30 Boys Nation senators representing different states other than their own at this year’s program, as the coronavirus pandemic forced 15 Boys State programs to cancel or delay their 2021 sessions.

Senator Ethan Arnold (CA), representing Oregon, talks with other delegates during orientation on day two of American Legion Boys Nation. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 2 Saturday, July 24

Past National Commander and Boys Nation Director of Activities Dale Barnett leads orientation on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Alabama senator Riley Jordan applauds during orientation on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The

DAY 2 Saturday, July 24

During the first legislative assembly, 2021 Boys Nation delegates conducted their first vote and chose section leaders and secretaries. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen
Boys Nation senators Solomon Gbara (N.M), John Chadwell (MT rep. PA), Sydney Wiredu Jr., (NJ) and Cole Basler (MT rep. PA) take time for a selfie during the first legislative assembly. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

DAY 2 Saturday, July 24

Idaho senator George Cecil walks with his section to orientation on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Senator Vance Comfort (OK), representing Wisconsin, salutes the colors during the flag raising on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 2 Saturday, July 24

Texas senator Akintomiwa Akinniyi gives a speech to his fellow delegates during orientation on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Nevada senator Riley Gillis plays the piano during lunch on day two of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 24, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 3 Sunday, July 25

“This

past year has been tough on a lot of people, it’s kind of divided people, but you come here and there’s 99 other boys that are just as committed to progressing this nation. … I think that’s inspiring for us

and for all our futures.”

For Nathan Badger, of Idaho, and his fellow Boys Nation senators, Sunday night’s trip to the National Mall was a moving experience. The senators saw the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.

They also had dinner with the American Legion Family at Post 136 in Greenbelt, Md., including American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford, who spoke to many of the senators during their visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Maryland Post 259 member George Martin greets 2021 Boys Nation delegates as they arrive at Post 136 in Greenbelt, Md. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 3 Sunday, July 25

Mississippi senator Michael Guest is greeted by Past National Auxiliary President Linda Newsome upon his arrival at Post 136 in Greenbelt, Md. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Greenbelt Post 136 Commander Mike Moore greets 2021 Boy Nation senators during a visit to his post. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 3 Sunday, July 25

American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford addresses 2021 Boys Nation Senators as they visit the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 3 Sunday, July 25

Massachusetts senator Andrew Zhao, right, and Oklahoma senator William Plank read names on the wall of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Photo by Ben Mikesell
New Jersey senator Sydney Wiredu Jr. reads the names at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 4 Monday, July 26

“Just being able to pay respect to the unknown soldiers was moving to me.”

For Leo Ketcham, perhaps the most moving part of his week at Boys Nation 75 was joining with fellow Boys Nation Senator Michael Scoville and American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday morning at Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 4 Monday, July 26

Delegates from Oklahoma visit the Marine Corps War Memorial on day four of American Legion Boys Nation on Jul 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 4 Monday, July 26

Richard Knight of Idaho, who attended South Carolina Boys State in the 1990s, addresses delegates during their visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Photo by Ben Mikesell
Boys Nation delegates listen to a briefing from a tomb guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Photo by Ben Mikesell

the wreath-laying

The American Legion
Boys Nation
Watch
ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 4 Monday, July 26

Boys Nation delegates Leo Ketcham (MA), representing Nevada, and Michael Scoville of Illinois lay a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 5 Tuesday, July 27

“I just love that having that genuine personality transcends your political beliefs.”

Tuesday’s agenda at Boys Nation 75 was capped by the election of president and vice president. California’s Ryan Jung defeated Virginia’s Dimitrios Owen to become Boys Nation president, calling the 59-41 vote tally “testament to the fact that some of us are able to look past our differences and some of us are just really diverse in our political beliefs.”

The vice presidential race was an unusual one; the two candidates, Cameron Cummings and Aiden Sanders, both hail from Alabama and were representing Michigan. “Two people from the same state, sitting right beside each other in the same room, both got the vice presidential nomination, just amazing,” said Cummings, who defeated his roommate to win the vice presidency.

Boys Nation Presidential candidate Dimitri Owen of Virginia gives a speech on Election Day. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 5 Tuesday, July 27

Boys Nation Vice-President candidate Aiden Sanders of Alabama, representing Michigan, gives a speech on election day. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Boys Nation Vice President-Elect Cameron Cummings of Alabama, representing Michigan, gives a speech on election day.
New York senator Gabriel Arteaga casts his vote for Boys Nation president on election day.
Photo by Ben Mikesell
Ryan Jung of California shakes hands with rival Dimitri Owen of Virginia after he is elected as 2021 Boys Nation President. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Ryan Jung of California makes his acceptance speech after he is elected as the 2021 Boys Nation President. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 6 Wednesday, July 28

“(My mother and father) pushing me forward when I got nervous, them pushing me to continue … they will always be my inspiration.”

One of the perks of being elected President and Vice President of Boys Nation is usually an appearance on the Jim Bohannon Show, and 2021 President Ryan Jung and Vice President Cameron Cummings continued the tradition this year. Among the questions posed to them was who their inspirations were. For Cummings, his parents’ support in everything he does was a major factor in his success.

Their call-in to the show came at the end of a packed day, beginning with their respective inaugurations. The Boys Nation Senate also heard from guest speaker Kristen Soltis Anderson, an author and media host who shared her experience at Girls Nation, and American Legion Auxiliary President Nicole Clapp, who “Zoomed” in from this year’s Girls Nation to field questions from the Boys Nation senators.

2021 Boys Nation President Ryan Jung of California is sworn into office by Judge Joe Bishop. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 6 Wednesday, July 28

2021 Boys Nation Vice President Cameron Cummings (AL), representing Michigan, is sworn into office.
Photo by Ben Mikesell
Arkansas senator Richard Liu applauds as 2021 Boys Nation President Ryan Jung of California is sworn into office.
Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 6 Wednesday, July 28

2021 Boys Nation Senators enjoy an evening on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to watch a production of Twilight Tattoo. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 6 Wednesday, July 28

2021 Boys Nation Senators enjoy an evening on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to watch a production of Twilight Tattoo. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 7 Thursday, July 29

“Probably the highlight of the week for me.”

The senators of Boys Nation 75 learned over the course of the preceding year to take virtual classes and meetings in stride, so when pandemic restrictions forced the usual Capitol Hill visit to go virtual, Colorado’s Rhys Gerboth and others had no problem. Many of the Boys Nation senators were still able to meet virtually with their U.S. senators or their staff. And U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., himself a Boys State alum, made the trip out to Marymount University on Thursday to have dinner with his constituents.

Thursday night, the Boys Nation senators heard a presentation from 2019 Boys Nation senator Nathan Wang, whose legislation at that session ended up as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Wang also joined a panel of alumni serving on the 2021 staff to share their experiences and advice.

2021 Boys Nation Senator Ethan Williamson (VA), representing Arizona, helps raise the flag during morning ceremonies at Marymount University. Photo by Ben Mikesell

American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

The
American Legion Boys Nation delegates stand at attention during the morning flag-raising ceremony at Marymount University. Photo by Ben Mikesell

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

DAY 7 Thursday, July 29

American Legion Legislative Director Lawrence Montreuil speaks to 2021 Boys Nation delegates during a senate session at Marymount University. Photo by Ben Mikesell
During 2021 Boys Nation virtual hill day, senators interact with their congressional leaders or staffers through video chats. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Junior Counselor and 2019 Boys Nation delegate Luke Takashima speaks to the 2021 Boys Nation delegates during Alumni Day activities.

DAY 7 Thursday, July 29

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) joins 2021 Boys Nation delegates from his state for dinner at Marymount University. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 8 Friday, July 30

“Stand we must. Stand we have. Stand we shall.”

Boys Nation President Ryan Jung ’s final speech to his fellow senators praised them for their bipartisanship and encouraged them to go out and become leaders in the world. The 75th program’s final day saw the senate close the session, the senators visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and celebrate their week with a banquet and graduation assembly, one attended by dozens of parents and family.

Senator Estaban Lamas (AR), representing Kansas, celebrates during the last senate session of 2021 American Legion Boys Nation. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 8 Friday, July 30

Quentin Messer III of Louisiana fist bumps staff before dinner as 2021 American Legion Boys Nation comes to a close.
Photo by Ben Mikesell
Vice President Cameron Cummings of Alabama, representing Michigan, is called to the stage during graduation at 2021 American Legion Boys Nation. Photo by Ben Mikesell
Senators sing “Lean on Me” during the graduation ceremony at 2021 American Legion Boys Nation. Photo by Ben Mikesell

DAY 8 Friday, July 30

Director of Activities and Past National Commander Dale Barnett sings with senators during the graduation ceremony at 2021 American Legion Boys Nation. Photo by Ben Mikesell

Adams Adams Section Counselors

Clay Ballenger (OK) Senior Counselor
Joseph Pitts (AZ) Junior Counselor
Luke Takashima (CA) Junior Counselor
Nathan Badger Idaho Quinn Bormann (SD) rep. Connecticut McConnell Bristol Colorado George Cecil Idaho Matthew Dowd District of Columbia Jonathan Ford Alaska Rhys Gerboth Colorado Ethan Gladue (SD) rep. Connecticut
Edward Gonet (MA) rep. Illinois
Maxwell Harden Florida Connor Hayward Alaska
Andrew Iskandar Delaware
Charles Jasso Florida Weston Jenkins California
Riley Jordan Alabama
Ryan Jung California
Richard Liu Arkansas
Seamus Oliver Delaware
William Pace Georgia Liam Reaser (VA) rep. Arizona
Michael Scoville (MA) rep. Illinois
Spencer Sullivan Georgia Richard Ware Arkansas Ethan Williamson (VA) rep. Arizona Gage Young Alabama

Jefferson Jefferson Section Counselors

Zach Kennedy (VA) Senior Counselor
Colby Lewis (AL) Junior Counselor
Thomas Penley (MT) Junior Counselor
Andrew Baeuerle Mississippi Cameron Cummings (AL) rep. Michigan
Chad Greenway (AR) rep. Kansas
Michael Guest Mississippi Kamden Hill Missouri
William Hu Massachusetts
Eshan Jain Missouri Esteban Lamas (AR) rep. Kansas
Anbo Li Maryland
Noah Lippert Minnesota
Sander McComiskey (LA) rep. Indiana
Quentin Messer Louisiana
Samir Mitri Maryland
Carter Monks (VT) rep. Kentucky
Dalton Sand (AL) rep. Montana
Aiden Sanders (AL) rep. Michigan
Cade Savoy Louisiana
Aidan Sears (ND) rep. Maine
Devon Selmon Minnesota Caleb Spires Iowa Cole Taylor Montana Landon Terro (LA) rep. Indiana
Matthew Ulmer Iowa Anthony Wanner (ND) rep. Maine
Gavin Young (VT) rep. Kentucky
Andrew Zhao Massachusetts

Madison Madison Section Counselors

Scott Weyler (IN) Senior Counselor
Caleb Weiland (SD) Junior Counselor
Christian Dykson (CO) Junior Counselor
Maurize Aragon
New Mexico
Ethan Arnold (CA) rep. Oregon
Gabriel Arteaga New York
Cole Basler (MT) rep. Pennsylvania
Cooper Bertschi Ohio
John Chadwell (MT) rep. Pennsylvania
Cato Chang New York
Jude Farley New Hampshire
Solomon Gbara New Mexico
Riley Gillis Nevada
Travis Henry New Hampshire
Carsten Irgens North Dakota
Tim Jing (CA) rep. Oregon
Leo Ketcham Nevada
Jacob Kielty Oklahoma
Astor Lu District of Columbia
Hayden McCullough (TX) rep. Nebraska
Zachary Morrow North Carolina
William Plank Oklahoma Farouk Ramzan (TX) rep. Nebraska
Robert Stockham North Carolina
Bradon Timms Ohio Rylan Vibeto North Dakota Sydney Wiredu New Jersey
Matthew Xu New Jersey

Washington

Washington Section Counselors

Corey Brooks (OK) Senior Counselor
Jordan Willey (SC) Junior Counselor
Juncheng Quan (RI) Junior Counselor
Akintomiwa Akinniyi Texas Davion Bellinger (SC) rep. Rhode Island
Samuel Buan (MN) rep. West Virginia
Aidan Coberly Wyoming
Vance Comfort (OK) rep. Wisconsin
John Costello South Dakota
Graham Curtsinger (OK) rep. Wisconsin
Thomas Davies Texas
Noah Garcia Utah
Jason Green (SC) rep. Rhode Island
Caleb Kuo Virginia Wyatt Luce Vermont
Ryan Lund (MN) rep. West Virginia
Quinn McIver (MD) rep. Washington
Emmett O’Brien South Carolina
Robert Officer Tennessee
Dimitrios Owen Virginia
Simon Rosenbaum Vermont
William Sander South Carolina
Roman Schlichter Utah Jackson Smith Tennessee Blake Stark South Dakota Taylor Stevens Wyoming Hektor Thompson (MD) rep. Washington
Richard Anderson (CT) Americanism Chairman
Dale Barnett (GA) Director of Activities
Robert Caudell (IN) Asst. Director of Activities
Joseph Wells Ellenberg (GA) Legislative Director
Timothy Aboudara (CA) Legislative Admin Assistant
Judge Joe Bishop (GA) Federalist Party Leader
Joseph McCraith, Jr. (IL) Nationalist Party Counselor
Duane Mercier (IN) Video Production Tech
Jeff Daly (CA) E-Tech
Andy Proffet (IN) Web Editor
Ben Mikesell (IN) Visual Media
Jeric Wilhelmsen (CA) Visual Media
Dennis Barlow (GA) Office Manager
James W. Davis (WV) Supply Manager
Bill Murphy (ME) Asst. Supply & Office Manager
Joseph Campbell (TX) Utility Coordinator

Committee Assignments

Committee 1

Akintomiwa Akinniyi (F-TX)

Ethan Arnold (F-OR)

Nathan Badger (N-ID)

John Chadwell (N-PA)

Vance Comfort (N-WI)

Matthew Dowd (F-DC)

Noah Garcia (N-UT)

Riley Gillis (F-NV)

Edward Gonet IV (N-IL)

Michael Guest (F-MS)

Charles Jasso (N-FL)

Leo Ketcham (N-NV)

Esteban Lamas (N-KS)

Richard Liu (N-AR)

Ryan Lund (F-WV)

Quentin Messer III (F-LA)

Zachary Morrow (N-NC)

Dimitrios Owen (F-VA)

Aiden Sanders (N-MI)

Michael Scoville (F-IL)

Jackson Smith (N-TN)

Caleb Spires (F-IA)

Bradon Timms (F-OH)

Anthony Wanner (F-ME)

Gage Young (F-AL)

Committee 2

Gabriel Arteaga (N-NY)

Andrew Baeuerle (N-MS)

Davion Bellinger (N-RI)

Quinn Bormann (F-CT)

Cato Chang (F-NY)

John Costello (F-SD)

Jonathan Ford (N-AK)

Jason Green (F-RI)

Maxwell Harden (F-FL)

Travis Henry (N-NH)

Kamden Hill (F-MO)

Weston Jenkins (F-CA)

Jacob Kielty (F-OK)

Anbo Li (N-MD)

Quinn McIver (F-WA)

Samir Mitri (F-MD)

Seamus Oliver (F-DE)

William Plank (N-OK)

Simon Rosenbaum (F-VT)

Cade Savoy (N-LA)

Blake Stark (N-SD)

Spencer Sullivan (N-GA)

Cole Taylor (F-MT)

Rylan Vibeto (N-ND)

Gavin Young (N-KY)

Committee 3 Committee 4

Cole Basler (F-PA)

McConnell Bristol (F-CO)

Samuel Buan (N-WV)

Cameron Cummings (F-MI)

Graham Curtsinger (F-WI)

Jude Farley (F-NH)

Rhys Gerboth (N-CO)

Connor Hayward (F-AK)

William Hu (F-MA)

Carsten Irgens (F-ND)

Riley Jordan (N-AL)

Caleb Kuo (N-VA)

Noah Lippert (N-MN)

Astor Lu (N-DC)

Carter Monks (F-KY)

Emmett O’Brien (N-SC)

William Pace (F-GA)

Farouk Ramzan (N-NE)

William Sander (F-SC)

Aidan Sears (N-ME)

Taylor Stevens (N-WY)

Landon Terro (N-IN)

Richard Ware (F-AR)

Sydney Wiredu Jr. (F-NJ)

Andrew Zhao (N-MA)

Maurize Aragon (F-NM)

Cooper Bertschi (N-OH)

George Cecil (F-ID)

Aidan Coberly (F-WY)

Thomas Davies (N-TX)

Solomon Gbara (N-NM)

Ethan Gladue (N-CT)

Chad Greenway (F-KS)

Andrew Iskandar (N-DE)

Eshan Jain (N-MO)

Tim Jing (N-OR)

Ryan Jung (N-CA)

Wyatt Luce (N-VT)

Sander McComiskey (F-IN)

Hayden McCullough (F-NE)

Robert Officer (F-TN)

Liam Reaser (F-AZ)

Dalton Sand (N-MT)

Roman Schlichter (F-UT)

Devon Selmon (F-MN)

Robert Stockham (F-NC)

Hektor Thompson (N-WA)

Matthew Ulmer (N-IA)

Ethan Williamson (N-AZ)

Matthew Xu (N-NJ)

The

Name Party Section State

Akintomiwa Akinniyi Federalist Washington TX

Maurize Aragon Federalist Madison NM

Ethan Arnold Federalist Madison OR

Gabriel Arteaga Nationalist Madison NY

Nathan Badger Nationalist Adams ID

Andrew Baeuerle Nationalist Jefferson MS

Cole Basler Federalist Madison PA

Davion Bellinger Nationalist Washington RI

Cooper Bertschi Nationalist Madison OH

Quinn Bormann Federalist Adams CT

McConnell Bristol Federalist Adams CO

Samuel Buan Nationalist Washington WV

George Cecil Federalist Adams ID

John Chadwell Nationalist Madison PA

Cato Chang Federalist Madison NY

Aidan Coberly Federalist Washington WY

Vance Comfort Nationalist Washington WI

John Costello Federalist Washington SD

Cameron Cummings Federalist Jefferson MI

Graham Curtsinger Federalist Washington WI

Thomas Davies Nationalist Washington TX

Matthew Dowd Federalist Adams DC

Jude Farley Federalist Madison NH

Jonathan Ford Nationalist Adams AK

Noah Garcia Nationalist Washington UT

Name Party Section State

Solomon Gbara Nationalist Madison NM

Rhys Gerboth Nationalist Adams CO

Riley Gillis Federalist Madison NV

Ethan Gladue Nationalist Adams CT

Edward Gonet Nationalist Adams IL

Jason Green Federalist Washington RI

Chad Greenway Federalist Jefferson KS

Michael Guest Federalist Jefferson MS

Maxwell Harden Federalist Adams FL

Connor Hayward Federalist Adams AK

Travis Henry Nationalist Madison NH

Kamden Hill Federalist Jefferson MO

William Hu Federalist Jefferson MA

Carsten Irgens Federalist Madison ND

Andrew Iskandar Nationalist Adams DE

Eshan Jain Nationalist Jefferson MO

Charles Jasso Nationalist Adams FL

Weston Jenkins Federalist Adams CA

Tim Jing Nationalist Madison OR

Riley Jordan Nationalist Adams AL

Ryan Jung Nationalist Adams CA

Leo Ketcham Nationalist Madison NV

Jacob Kielty Federalist Madison OK

Caleb Kuo Nationalist Washington VA

Esteban Lamas Nationalist Jefferson KS

The

Name Party Section State

Anbo Li Nationalist Jefferson MD

Noah Lippert Nationalist Jefferson MN

Richard Liu Nationalist Adams AR

Astor Lu Nationalist Madison DC

Wyatt Luce Nationalist Washington VT

Ryan Lund Federalist Washington WV

Sander McComiskey Federalist Jefferson IN

Hayden McCullough Federalist Madison NE

Quinn McIver Federalist Washington WA

Quentin Messer Federalist Jefferson LA

Samir Mitri Federalist Jefferson MD

Carter Monks Federalist Jefferson KY

Zachary Morrow Nationalist Madison NC

Emmett O'Brien Nationalist Washington SC

Robert Officer Federalist Washington TN

Seamus Oliver Federalist Adams DE

Dimitrios Owen Federalist Washington VA

William Pace Federalist Adams GA

William Plank Nationalist Madison OK

Farouk Ramzan Nationalist Madison NE

Liam Reaser Federalist Adams AZ

Simon Rosenbaum Federalist Washington VT

Dalton Sand Nationalist Jefferson MT

William Sander Federalist Washington SC

Aiden Sanders Nationalist Jefferson MI

2021 Boys Nation Senate Roster

Name Party Section State

Cade Savoy Nationalist Jefferson LA

Roman Schlichter Federalist Washington UT

Michael Scoville Federalist Adams IL

Aidan Sears Nationalist Jefferson ME

Devon Selmon Federalist Jefferson MN

Jackson Smith Nationalist Washington TN

Caleb Spires Federalist Jefferson IA

Blake Stark Nationalist Washington SD

Taylor Stevens Nationalist Washington WY

Robert Stockham Federalist Madison NC

Spencer Sullivan Nationalist Adams GA

Cole Taylor Federalist Jefferson MT

Landon Terro Nationalist Jefferson IN

Hektor Thompson Nationalist Washington WA

Bradon Timms Federalist Madison OH

Matthew Ulmer Nationalist Jefferson IA

Rylan Vibeto Nationalist Madison ND

Anthony Wanner Federalist Jefferson ME

Richard Ware Federalist Adams AR

Ethan Williamson Nationalist Adams AZ

Sydney Wiredu Federalist Madison NJ

Matthew Xu Nationalist Madison NJ

Gage Young Federalist Adams AL

Gavin Young Nationalist Jefferson KY

Andrew Zhao Nationalist Jefferson MA

The

Department of State

Secretary of State Aiden Sanders MI

Deputy Secretary of State Samuel Buan WV

Permanent RepresentativeUnited Nations Cooper Bertschi OH

Deputy Permanent Representative-United Nations Cole Taylor MT

Ambassador to Jordan Riley Jordan AL

Ambassador to Mexico Estaban Lamas KS

Ambassador to Chad Chad Greenway KS

Department of Treasury

Secretary of the Treasury Sander McComiskey IN

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Emmett O’Brien SC

Teasurer of the United States Richard Liu AR

Commissioner-Internal Revenue Service Jonathan Akinnig TX

Director-Secret Service Jonathan Ford AK

President Ryan Jung CA

Vice-President Cameron Cummings MI

President Pro Tempore Eddy Gonet IL

Secretary of the Senate Andrew Iskandar DE

Department of Defense

Secretary of Defense Weston Jenkins CA

Deputy Secretary of Defense William Plank OK

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Matthew Ulmer IA

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Leo Ketcham NV

Chief of Staff of the Army Ethan Williamson AZ

Chief of Naval Operations Hayden McCullough NE

Commandant of the Marine Corps Astor Lu DC

Chief of Staff of the Air Force John Costello SD

Chief of the National Guard Bureau Graham Curtsinger WI

Secretary of the Army Zachary Morrow NC

Under Secretary of the Army Cole Basler PA

Secretary of the Navy John Chadwell PA

Under Secretary of the Navy Maxwell Harden FL

Secretary of the Air Force Jackson Smith TN

Under Secretary of the Air Force Rhys Gerboth CO

Presidential Appointments

Department of Justice

Attorney General William Pace GA

Deputy Attorney General Matthew Xu NJ

Solicitor General Jude Farley NH

Director-Federal Bureau of Investigation Gabriel Artega NY

Director-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Devion Selmon MN

Department of the Interior

Secretary of the Interior Quinn Bormann CT

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Rylan Vibeto ND

Director-National Park Service Anthony Wanner ME

Director-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Riley Jordan AL

Director-Bureau of Indian Affairs Robert Officer TN

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

Department of Agriculture

Secretary of Agriculture Aidan Sears ME

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Andrew Baeuerle MS

Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Carter Monks KY

Department of Commerce

Secretary of Commerce Ryan Lund WV

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bradon Timms OH

Director of the Bureau of the Census Caleb Kuo VA

Department of Labor

Secretary of Labor Ethan Gladue CT

Deputy Secretary of Labor William Sander SC

Commissioner-Bureau of Labor Statistics Connor Hayward AK

Department of Health and Human Services

Secretary of Health and Human Services Riley Gillis NV

Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Sydney Wiredu, Jr. NJ

Surgeon General Spencer Sullivan GA

Commissioner-Food and Drug Administration Jason Green RI

Director-National Institutes of Health Tim Jing OR

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Richard Ware AR

Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Noah Lippert MN

Department of Transportation

Secretary of Transportation Cade Savoy IA

Deputy Secretary of Transportation Eshan Jain MO

Administrator-Federal Aviation Administration William Hu MA

Administrator-Federal

Emergency Management Agency Landon Terro IN

Administrator-Federal Highway Administration Maurize Aragon NM

Administrator-Federal Transit Administration Jacob Kielty OK

Department of Energy

Secretary of Energy Wyatt Luce VT

Deputy Secretary of Energy Roman Schlichter VT

Department of Education

Secretary of Education Anbo Li MD

Deputy Secretary of Education Noah Garcia VT

Presidential Appointments

Department of Veterans Affairs

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Blake Stark SD

Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Kamden Hill MO

Department of Health and Human Services

Secretary of Homeland Security Thomas Davies TX

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Caleb Spires IA

Commandant of the Coast Guard Quinn McIver WA

Commissioner-U.S. Customs and Border Protection Dimitrios Owen VA

Administrator-Environmental Protection Agency Gavin Young KY

Director-National Intelligence Solomon Gbara NM

U.S. Trade Representative Charles Jasso FL

Administrator-Small Business Administration George Cecil ID

Director-Office of Science Technology Michael Guest MS

Chief of Staff Nathan Badger ID

Director-Office of Management and Budget Farouk Ramzan NE

Director-Central Intelligence Agency Travis Henry NH

Supreme Court

Chief Justice of the United States Seamus Oliver DE

Associate Justice Ethan Arnold OR

Associate Justice Hektor Thompson WA

Associate Justice Andrew Zhao MA

Associate Justice Liam Reaser AZ

Associate Justice Michael Scoville IL

Associate Justice Carston Irgens ND

Associate Justice Samir Mitri MD

Associate Justice Quentin Messer III LA

United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Chief Judge Vance Comfort WI

Judge Aidan Coberly WY

Judge Robert Stockham NC

Judge Simon Rosenbaum VT

Independent Agencies

Director-Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Andrew Iskandar DE

Farm Credit Administration Dalton Sand MT

Chad Greenway, Jr. KS

Federal Election Commission Taylor Stevens WY

Federal Reserve System Chair McConnell Bristol CO

Director-Office of Government Ethics Davion Bellinger RI

U.S. Commodity Futures

Trading Commission Chair Matthew Dowd DC

Associate Justice Quentin Messer III LA

Additional Executive Appointments

Director-Office of Drug Control Policy

Gage Young AL

Director of Legislative Affairs Cato Chang NY

Federalist Party Officers

Convention Chairman Akintomiwa Akinniyi TX

Convention Secretary William Sander SC

Convention Clerk Weston Jenkins CA

Convention Parliamentarian Brandon Timms OH

Assistant Parliamentarian Maurice Aragon NM

Sergeant-At-Arms Caleb Spires IA

Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms George Cecil ID

Timer Carter Monks KY

Timer Anthony Wanner ME

Platform Committee Chairman Cato Chang NY

Platform Committee Secretary Matthew Dowd DC

Platform Committee Member William Hu MA

Platform Committee Member Dimitrios Owen VA

Platform Committee Member Gage Young AL

Rules Committee Chairman Liam Reaser AZ

Rules Committee Secretary Cameron Cummings MI

Rules Committee Member John Costello SD

Rules Committee Member Jacob Kielty OK

Rules Committee Member Seamus Oliver DE

Presidential Candidate Dimitrios Owen VA

Vice Presidential Candidate Cameron Cummings MI

Party Chairman Matthew Dowd DC

Party Keynoter William Hu MA Quentin Messer LA

Campaign Manager John Costello SD

Party Whip Cato Chang NY

Chaplain Graham Curtsinger WI

Federalist Party Platform

Energy Reform

• Nuclear energy: There is work to be done in our energy sector and making it better for the environment, and the Federalist Party is in support of legislation that funds, expands, and develops innovative nuclear power systems across the country.

• Green energy: The Federalist Party endorses government initiatives seeking to increase use of green energy, including, but not limited to, solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric energy. Increasing research, grants, and initiatives. The Federalist Party is for the gradual transition to green energy from existing energy sources.

• Carbon neutrality: The Federalist Party endorses government efforts working to reach carbon neutrality on a national level, on a reasonable timeline, through carbon capture and other technologies.

Internet Access

• Domestic cyber security: The internet remains a dangerous place for consumers and the Federalist Party believes that all Americans should feel safe and secure when using the internet. “Privacy is a right, and should be guaranteed to all legal residents”

• Accessibility and internet and wireless infrastructure: The Federalist Party strongly believes in government programs aimed at increasing rural access to high speed wireless internet across the country. The Party places special emphasis behind its support of initiatives aimed at increasing access to 5G millimeter wave supplied by American companies. Right now, millions of Americans are unable to access the internet quickly and the opportunities

associated with access to the internet. The Federalist Party supports legislation aimed at investing in wireless infrastructure and subsidies for broadband access to increase access to high speed internet for all Americans.

Budgeting/Taxation

• Deficit: The federal deficit has reached a breaking point; in order to solve other economic problems, we must first address this. The Federalist Party supports policies that reduce the Federal deficit and will craft a more balanced budget.

• Personal income tax: The Federalist Party supports actions to lower personal income tax.

• Corporate tax: The Federalist Party’s stance on corporate taxes involves tax rates and enforcement. More importantly, the Party supports legislation and policy aimed at enforcing corporate taxes, especially on companies with a history of evading taxes by increasing the IRS’s ability to to enforce laws, audit corporations, and close tax loopholes. The Federalist Party will endorse efforts to ensure that corporations are paying their full share of taxes and will work to limit tax loopholes and havens.

• Small business tax: Small businesses are at the heart of communities, and the Federalist Party wants to allow them to thrive. The Party supports legislation lowering small business taxes because we recognize small business’ importance in local environments.

• Oil subsidies: In order to encourage the energy industry’s move towards green energy, the Federalist Party believes in legislation that lowers federal oil subsidies gradually as energy independence in the United States transitions to fully renewable sources.

• Agriculture subsidies: The Federalist Party supports legislation that subsidizes renewable agricultural practices and the implementation of farming techniques better for the environment and horticulture and supports increasing current subsidies. The Federalist Party supports legislation that provides greater agriculture subsidies to small farmers as well as grants for agriculture related education as the effects of climate change increase and our farms become both more fragile and vital to rural economies.

Education

• More support for teachers: The Federalist Party firmly believes that all public school teachers need a combination of higher pay, more standardized rigorous training, as well as higher standards of accountability.

• Universal preschool: The Federalist Party fully supports federal funding for the implementation of a nationwide opt-in universal preschool program, which is operated in partnership with state and county governments.

Health

• Mental health: Mental healthcare is a prevalent and growing issue within the United States, especially among the youngest two generations; the Federalist Party supports legislation that provides for mental healthcare in government mandated institutions, and promotes the normalization of mental health discourse.

• Healthcare: The Federalist party supports working with a private industry to lower the price of healthcare. The Federalist Party supports legislation to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for high healthcare costs and the opioid crisis The Federalist Party also supports legislation to reduce the amount of opioid overdoses and deaths nationwide.

• Foster care: The Federalist Party is dedicated to further development and research into the betterment of the adoption and foster care system.

National Defense

• Middle East policy: The Federalist Party supports that we leave the Middle East policy to the Department of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Federalist Party supports peace in the Middle East.

• Cyber security: The Federalist Party knows that cyber will be the battlefield of the future and supports legislation to invest in our cyber and data security.

• South Taiwan Sea: The Federalist Party believes blue water in the South Taiwan Sea must remain open and accessible for all nations.

• China policy: The Federalist Party condemns China’s imperialist expansion, hostile trade policy, and treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Immigration

• The Federalist Party understands that illegal immigration occurs and believes that legal immigration should be better managed so people don’t need to come in illegally. The Federalist Party is dedicated to and supports legislation to ease the legal immigration process and reduce immigration backlog.

Infrastructure

• Highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, barges: The Federalist Party is in favor of legislation regarding the increase of production and regulation of bridges, highways, tunnels, and dams as well as investments in green infrastructure such as recycled waste, roads, and better recycling facilities to create new jobs.

• Energy storage: The Federalist Party supports legislation that focuses on finding safe and reliable energy storage.

• High speed travel: The Federalist Party recognizes the value of electric high speed rail as a viable mass, public transit option. The party sees the economic and environmental benefits to constructing, operating, and maintaining a national high speed rail system and supports legislation to do so as well as high speed air travel.

• Space: The Federalist Party supports the aiding of programs that increase commercial space exploration.

American diplomacy and trade

• Global supply lines: The Federalist Party supports legislation that ensures global supply lines stay open and free such that costs can stay low. We also support increasing our exports to globally project our economic power.

• Foreign aid: The Federalist Party calls for a reevaluation of our foreign aid policy, and a redirection of funds to a broader number of nations, such that our aid is no longer just concentrated in a handful of nations. Less aid going to foreign governments, and a refocusing on giving the money to on the ground NGOs who can produce accountable records.

Judicial/court reform

• Public defense system: The Federalist Party supports legislation that provides funding to offices of public defenders to hire more staff and mitigate the overflow in the system.

• Prison reform: The Federalist Party supports legislation for both prison reform and prevention.

The

Nationalist Party Officers

Convention Chairman Thomas Davies TX

Convention Secretary Andrew Iskander DE

Convention Clerk Jackson Smith TN

Convention Parliamentarian Ryan Jung CA

Assistant Parliamentarian Farouk Ramzan NE

Sergeant-At-Arms Travis Henry NH

Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms Riley Jordan AL

Timer Estaban Lamas KS

Timer Zachary Morrow NC

Platform Committee Chair Cade Savoy LA

Platform Committee Secretary William Plank OK

Platform Committee Member Emmett O’Brien SC

Platform Committee Member Aiden Sanders MI

Platform Committee Member Cooper Bertschi OH

Rules Committee Chair Spencer Sullivan GA

Rules Committee Secretary Nathan Badger ID

Rules Committee Member Tim Jing O

Rules Committee Member Samuel Buan WV

Rules Committee Member Richard Liu AR

Presidential Candidate Ryan Jung CA

Vice Presidential Candidate Aiden Sanders MI

Party Chairman Thomas Davis TX

Party Keynoter Charles Jasso FL

Campaign Manager Emmett O’Brien SC

Party Whip Davion Bellinger RI

Chaplain Davion Bellinger RI

Nationalist Party Platform

Infrastructure - Rebuilding our Country

• Supports the passage of legislation expanding federal funding for the repair and refurbishment of roads, bridges, buildings, and related infrastructure.

• Supports the creation of a committee within the Department of Agriculture, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Department of Transportation to research the best possible methods for implementation of effective and efficient public transportation (such as highspeed rail projects).

• Supports an increase in the amount of checks done by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Department of Transportation to confirm that existing roads, bridges, and buildings remain safe and within the legal limits of established building codes.

• Supports funding for the expansion of broadband and 5G networks nationwide.

• Supports funding distribution based upon the Army Corps of Engineers grading system in order to ensure equitability.

Monetary Policy - Responsible Spending

• Supports a corporate wealth tax to be placed solely on corporations with more than one billion dollars in net assets to fund initiatives from other departments.

• Supports the elimination of tax loopholes, and up-to-date regulations, for the aforementioned groups of individuals and corporations.

Health and Human Services - Keeping America Healthy

• Supports protection for people with pre-existing conditions from being denied health insurance.

• The federal government does not have the right to negotiate the price of private pharmaceutical drugs, but they may offer optional contracts to said companies where the government will subsidize the companies.

• Supports making it easier for states to expand Medicaid.

• Supports mandating that for an insurance company to deny coverage, the denial must be approved by a board certified doctor in the patient’s state.

• Supports expanding Medicare programs to cover dental, vision, and mental health costs.

Rezoning and Housing - Affordability for Families

• Supports rezoning to allow for higher-density housing to combat the housing shortage and preserve environments, taking into account flora, fauna, and local carrying capacity.

• Supports more affordable, government-funded housing projects in low-income areas and regions with high rates of homelessness.

• Supports a policy of only allowing low-income families and individuals to purchase the aforementioned housing, and corporations should not be allowed to buy any part of the housing projects.

• Supports efforts to ensure continuous funding for government-funded projects is secured for long term maintenance.

Energy - Moving Forward on Power

• Supports the transition to green energy nationwide to mitigate the global effects of climate change.

• Supports government funding for new projects related to the creation or upkeep of solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and nuclear energy generation facilities.

Environment & Agriculture - Protecting our Planet

• Supports the enforcement of regulations concerning pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Support local and small farmers and push for more humanitarian treatment of livestock.

• Supports an expansion of regulations for factory farming and the protections of local/family farms.

• Support expansion of information required by food companies to provide more information to buyers.

Education - A Renewed Teaching System

• Supports an expansion of federal funding for individual students for all Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math courses and topics.

• Supports the implementation of new standards for civics and finance education to increase citizen proficiency in government and economics and decrease voter apathy.

• Supports the creation of an advisory board within the Department of Education for the review and revisal (or replacement) of the Common Core educational standards.

• Supports increased state sovereignty in determining school curriculums.

• Support supplementary funding to increase the wages of teachers and funding to increase the quality of teaching.

Government Regulation - A Government that Works for Americans

• Supports the creation of a federal holiday for Election Day.

• Supports increased federal recognition and assistance for Native American tribes.

• Supports bipartisanship and cooperative efforts beyond party lines.

National Security - Safeguarding America

• Supports a modest reduction in military deployment abroad in order to protect the lives of service men and women.

• Accordingly supports the recently implemented full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and encourages passive support for the Afghan government though intelligence gathering and diplomatic backing.

• Supports a pragmatic redistribution of some funding to the United States military.

• Supports the direction of said funds to be invested into aiding several national sectors, including but not limited to:

• Department of Veterans Affairs.

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Veterans Affairs - Caring for All Veterans

• Supports an expansion of funding for health services for U.S. veterans, along with expanded housing opportunities for homeless veterans.

Foreign Policy - A Democracy First Foreign Policy:

• Supports the U.S. acknowledgement of democratic selfdetermination movements worldwide.

• Recognizes democratic movements.

• Supports diplomatic and passive military backing for all democracies, especially those in the developing world, as designated by the United Nations.

• Deplores the actions of the People’s Republic of China against the Uyghur People in the Xinjiang region.

• Supports expanded U.S. involvement in the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

• Supports an increased focus on our friends and neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.

• This includes trade relations in the Western Hemisphere and work that expand mutually beneficial trade with Latin America and Canada.

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

The American Legion 2021 Boys Nation Yearbook

Senator State Bill/Res Bill/Resolution-Subject No.

Cato Chang NY Bill

Gabriel Arteaga NY Res

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the Just Keep Swimming Bill Be it enacted by the American Legion Boys Nation Senate assembled, SB-81

Recognizing the Atrocities Committed by the Republic of Turkey against Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Assyrians, Kurds, Chaldeans, and other ethnic minorities during the First World War and subsequent Turkish War of Independence.

Bradon Timms OH Bill Protect Americas Cybersecurity Act

Cooper Bertschi OH Bill Preserving Democracy Act

William Plank OK Bill The Taiwan Freedom Act SB-44

Jacob Kielty OK Bill A Bill to Designate Federal Election Day as a Public Holiday SB-79

Tim Jing OR Bill Reducing Disease Transmission Act SB-58

Ethan Arnold OR Bill This Act may be cited as the PTSD Research and Awareness Act. SB-85

John Chadwell PA Bill Mental Health School Funding Act

Cole Basler PA Bill Education for Our Children Act

Jason Green RI Bill ARMFA Act of 2021

William Sander SC Bill Student Mental Wellness in Education Act SB-27

Emmett O’Brien SC Res A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should recognize Taiwan’s independence. SR-7

Emmett O’Brien SC Bill Fair Repair Act of 2021 SB-34

John Costello SD Res Supporting the State of Israel SR-8

John Costello SD Bill NASA Commercial Spaceflight Development Act SB-57

Blake Stark SD Bill Veterans Mental Health SB-89

Senator State Bill/Res Bill/Resolution-Subject No.

Jackson Smith TN

Robert Officer TN Bill This Act may be cited as the Trash to Travel Act. SB-88 Akintomiwa Akinniyi TX Bill B.O.B. Act: Budget Offsetting and Balancing

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