Former US Members of Congress shared insights and experiences at Holloway Campus
Date: 14 January 2024
Last year, students met former Members of Congress Cheri Bustos (D-IL, 2013-2023) and Bob Dold (R-IL, 2011-2013; 2015-2017), who shared their experiences and insights of lawmaking and representing two very different congressional districts in Illinois.
The event was well-attended; in a packed room, students asked questions on all aspects of US politics – local, national and international. They listened intently to Congress Members’ reflections from their direct experience at the heart of Washington D.C.
Congress members also offered their interpretations of the Republicans’ triumph in the general election and the return of Donald Trump, a timely discussion.
Professor Andrew Moran, the Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations, who organised the event, commented: “This was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to meet practitioners who have been involved in politics and have first-hand experience of working closely with decision makers, including the President of the United States. It is also an example of how important it is to listen to people from different political viewpoints, who have sort compromise and consensus, rather than conflict and polarisation.”
He added, “Democracy and politicians are increasingly criticised and viewed negatively by the public and media. Congress to Campus challenges those perceptions and shows why we need both.”
The visit was part of a week of events that began with a Sixth Form Conference at the British Library, attended by schools from across the country, and streamed live to many more, which included a lecture on The Presidency delivered by Andrew, who then moderated a panel-style question and answer session with the Congress Members.
Congress to Campus is organised by the Eccles Institute for the Americas and Oceania at the British Library, in collaboration with the USA Former Member of Congress and the US Embassy in London.
Former Members of Congress Cheri Bustos and Bob Dold present