Back to School

Today, students across Michigan are packing their backpacks with binders, paper, pencils and sack lunches for their first day back to school.  America’s children are our future, and we owe it to them to ensure they are provided every possible resource to learn and excel in the classroom.  That is why Congressman Camp is working hard in Congress to provide greater flexibility to parents, states and local communities to tailor education programs and curriculum to each student’s and each community’s particular needs. Congressman Camp’s Midland, Traverse City and Washington, D.C. offices offer a variety of resources to help students, parents and teachers learn about the federal government’s past and present.

Tours

Camp speaking with 4th District students on the Capitol Steps If your family or a student group is planning a trip to Washington D.C., Congressman Camp’s office can arrange tours and provide information on local attractions.  Through the office, you can schedule a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol and get tickets to the Gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives, where visitors can see first-hand Members of Congress debating and voting on legislation.  Other possible tour venues include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House. Request information and tours here or call Congressman Camp’s Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3561.

Pocket-Sized U.S. Constitutions

The Constitution of the United States is our government’s founding document which lays out the authorities granted and limits imposed on the federal government by the States and the American people.  This historical document, which visitors can view at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., is the world’s oldest written national constitution in continuous use and remains a guide for federal lawmakers today.    Congressman Camp’s office has a limited number of pocket-sized Constitutions available for students and constituents interested in reading and studying the document.  If you would like a pocket-sized Constitution, you can place a request on Congressman Camp’s website by clicking here or by calling his Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3561.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

One of the most important sections of the Constitution is Article I, Section 7, which lays out how a bill introduced in Congress becomes a federal law.  The web site of the Clerk of the House of Representatives has many online resources available to assist students in learning about the federal legislative process.  To access these resources and to learn more about how a bill becomes a law, click here.

Research Questions

Students writing a report about a federal law or who have a specific question about the federal government are encouraged to send an email to Congressman Camp by clicking here.  He is happy to answer questions about the federal government and federal legislation.

Online Resources of the Library of Congress

Camp talks with Dr. James Billington about the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress, established in 1800, is the world’s largest library collection and includes over 34.5 million books and printed documents.  Although the large majority of books and documents are catalogued in three main libraries in Washington, D.C., much of the Library’s collection is available online.  Highlights include oral histories from veterans of every war since World War I, historical photographs, maps and artwork.  Visit www.loc.gov to search the entire collection.  For an overview of what the Library of Congress has to offer, watch Congressman Camp’s recent interview with Dr. James Billington, the Librarian of Congress.

2013 Congressional Art Competition

Camp with Leah Beaulac (middle) of Owosso High School, as the “Best in Show” winner of the 2012 4th District art competition. Every spring, the Congressional Institute, a nonprofit institute dedicated to helping Members of Congress better serve their constituents, sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.  Students submit art works to their representative’s office, and panels of local artists in each district select the winning entries, which are then displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.   The competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.  Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.  Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.   All entries must meet the following criteria: Be two-dimensional; Be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 4 inches thick; Weigh not more than 15 pounds; and Be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright law. Further information, including entry guidelines and submission forms for the 2013 competition, will be posted in early 2013 on Congressman Camp’s website.