United States Senate

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

Genetic Engineering holds exciting possibilities for the human species when it comes to medical advancements. Previously incurable diseases such as sickle cell anemia can be countered with a slight tweak of our genetic code. However, it also brings dangerous uncertainties to the socio-economic aspect of our everyday lives. Who can be treated? What parts of our genome can be modified? What ethical considerations should be taken into account with treatments and research? With the novelty of genetic engineering, there are still many gaps to be covered regarding the regulations of genetic engineering. It is up to you, Senators, to implement the appropriate policies that will allow genetic engineering to thrive while preventing the misuse of such powerful technology.

You may have seen that the term “Senator” has been utilized instead of “Delegates.” This is because the committee will deviate from your tradition Model United Nations GA as it seeks to model the structure of the United States Senate. Consequently, this committee will deviate slightly from standard Parliamentary Procedure in terms of the voting process. Any votes in this committee that ends with a 50-50 tie will pass based on the Senator who proposed the bill and the party in control of the White House. Since this committee is set to the 118th Congress, that means the Democratic Party retains a slim majority in the Senate. Senators, with such slim majorities, you must find ways to work across party lines to pass legislation regarding the future of genetic engineering. The fate of this novel field lies in your hands, and the stakes have never been greater.