U.S. Senate
Approximately 45 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Confronting Big Pharma
Topic B: Addressing the Balance Between National Security and Personal Privacy
Welcome to the U.S. Senate for ILMUNC XLI! In this legislative body, delegates will tackle two of the most pressing issues facing the nation today: confronting Big Pharma and addressing the delicate balance between national security and personal privacy. Senators will engage in rigorous debate on pharmaceutical industry practices, focusing on affordability and accountability, while also navigating the complexities of safeguarding national security without infringing on individual privacy rights. Through careful deliberation and bipartisan cooperation, delegates will craft legislative solutions aimed at protecting public health and securing the freedoms of American citizens.
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the United States Senate of ILMUNC XLI! My name is Marta Zapata Escondrillas, and as the co-chair, I am eager to guide you through thought-provoking and impactful discussions on important issues pressing our nation today.
The pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in the health and well-being of millions of Americans, yet it also presents significant challenges, including drug pricing, access to essential medication, and ethical considerations in research. As we delve these issues, it is crucial to explore how legislative and regulatory measures can hold Big Pharma accountable while ensuring it remains accessible. Simultaneously, the rapid advancements in technology calls for a careful examination of balance between national security and protecting individual privacy rights. This has many implications for our democracy and the freedoms we cherish. I look forward to hearing your perspectives on how we can develop policies that defend our nation’s security while maintaining citizen’s rights.
A little bit about me, I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences double majoring in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies and History. I am originally from Madrid, Spain but I have lived in Miami, Florida for the past 11 years. I joined my high school’s Model UN club my freshman year, and here at Penn, I have been involved in ILMUNC for the past 2 years. I am very excited for this year’s conference and hope that you all have an enriching experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am in the Kite and Key Society, the tour guiding group at Penn, and Wharton Latino. I love traveling, playing sports, and hanging out with my friends.
Andrew, Pilar, and I are all looking forward to meeting you and working with you in the US Senate committee! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Marta Zapata Escondrillas
Co-Chair, U.S. Senate
martazap@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the specialized committee: U.S. Senate! My name is Andrew Luong, and as the chair, I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of domestic and international problems facing the U.S. and the world.
First convened in 1789, the United States Senate has been the upper chamber of Congress for centuries and has faced a wide swath of challenges facing the nation and the globe. It is up to you, Senators, to create respective legislation that creates efficient and creative solutions with the delegated powers of the United States. Senators are equally important in advocating for
their state and the policies that profoundly affect your average American. From Delaware to California, your decisions hinge on your state and nation's support. I look forward to hearing more about your proposed legislation regarding the United States Senate's problems and creative solutions.
A little about me: I am a junior at the College of Arts and Sciences studying political science. I’m from Philadelphia and attended Masterman High School, where I participated in the Model UN club for 4 years. This will be my 2nd year chairing and my 3rd year staffing ILMUNC, and I am hoping for another great conference for both of us! Outside of ILMUNC, I run Penn’s beekeeping club and am part of the Polybian Society, Penn’s political discussion club. I love music, and you can often find me in a local jazz club or playing the classical guitar/ocarina.
Marta, Pilar, and I look forward to working with you in the specialized Senate Committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Andrew Luong
Chair, U.S. Senate
anndy@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to ILMUNC XLI! My name is Pilar Wingle, and I am thrilled to be chairing this year's U.S. Senate committee. Over the weekend, we will engage in passionate debates, develop strategic solutions, and collaborate on two critical topics: Confronting Big Pharma and Balancing National Security and Personal Privacy.
My Co-Chairs and I are committed to making this weekend both enjoyable and debate-filled. Having been part of the U.S. Senate committee during my high school years, my advice to you is to stay true to your assigned role, think creatively yet realistically, and collaborate effectively both across the aisle and within your party. Along with the background guide, I recommend watching the Netflix miniseries Painkiller to gain a deeper understanding of the first topic. For the second topic, I encourage you to explore debates around TikTok, public surveillance, and data tracking, considering how your position and/or party would define national security and personal privacy.
A bit about me: I’m a junior from Boston, MA, studying International Relations with minors in French and American Public Policy. I’m deeply passionate about diplomacy, which led me to join Penn's Model U.N. team, where I’ve made some of my closest friends. I also serve as the Chair of Financial Operations for the team. Outside of MUN and academics, I captain Penn’s Club Water Polo team, love traveling (I spent last fall in Paris), and enjoy exploring and reviewing restaurants.
I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Philadelphia! Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions about the committee or the topics.
Pilar Wingle
Chair, U.S. Senate
pwingle@sas.upenn.edu
