Senate Project Debate between Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
June 27, 2024
The fifth installment of The Senate Project debate series was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Kennedy Institute in Boston, Massachusetts; between Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Moderated by NBC News’ Chuck Todd, the Senators debated climate and energy, border policy, healthcare, and the future of the filibuster in our replica Senate Chamber.
Disruption? The Senate During the Trump Era
May 7, 2024
What happens when the Senate, a tradition-bound institution, encounters a nonconformist president intent on changing how the government operates? In a virtual conversation hosted by the Kennedy Institute, Prof. Sean Theriault, University of Texas at Austin, Prof. Frances Lee, Princeton University, and Prof. Christina Bellantoni, University of Southern California, discussed their new book, “Disruption? The Senate During the Trump Era.”
Fixing the Filibuster: A Conversation with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
April 18, 2024
Could restoring the talking filibuster fix the gridlock in the US Senate? The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate hosted a conversation with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his longtime Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore, on their recent book, “Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America” moderated by Vox Policy Correspondent, Abdallah Fayyad.
Annual Dinner 2024 with Governors Wes Moore (D-MD) and Chris Sununu (R-NH)
March 26, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Kennedy Institute’s annual dinner honored Governor Wes Moore and Governor Chris Sununu with the Edward M. Kennedy Award for Inspired Leadership. Moderator of NBC News’ Meet the Press, Kristen Welker, joined this year’s celebration as special guest and master of ceremonies.
Policy Over Politics: A Conversation with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
March 1, 2024
The Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate hosted Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) for a conversation on the current state of Senate procedure and the challenges facing effective policy making in the country’s most deliberative body.
Bolstering Elections Administration: A Conversation with State and Local Officials
February 15, 2024
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate launched their partnership to strengthen America’s election infrastructure by hosting a conversation with Kansas election officials Jamie Shew, Douglas County Clerk, and Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State, about the state of election administration in Kansas, the challenges they face, and how they might be addressed and what support they’ll need to bolster resilient elections in Kansas.
Stone Social Impact Forum featuring Dr. Carey Wright
February 5, 2024
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation hosted award-winning educator Dr. Carey Wright for the 2024 Stone Social Impact Forum. The conversation will be moderated by NBC News’ Education Correspondent, Rehema Ellis.
The Legislative Path to Supreme Court Reform
October 25, 2023
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, hosted a panel event discussing how 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices could be enacted without the need for a Constitutional amendment, the possibility of establishing Supreme Court term limits, and the role the Senate could play in enacting such a reform.
American Politics in Crisis? Charting a New Path
October 5, 2023
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and the Pew Research Center hosted a candid conversation about Americans’ deepening dissatisfaction with their elected officials and government and what that means for the future of American politics.
The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 25th Anniversary
September 26, 2023
The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 and continues to be the cornerstone of peace and reconciliation in the country of Ireland. This program marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and includes representatives of the Irish and British Governments and representatives of the business community reflecting on the peace process, past and present life in Belfast, as well as the future of the country.
Senate Project Debate between Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marco Rubio (R-FL)
September 18, 2023
The fourth installment of The Senate Project debate series was held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at George Washington University in Washington D.C.; between Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). Moderated by CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe the Senators debated the topics of China and U.S. global leadership, energy and the environment, and Senate reform.
Senate Project Debate between Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
June 12, 2023
The third installment of the The Senate Project debate series was held on Monday, June 12th at the Kennedy Institute in Boston, Massachusetts; between Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Moderated by Fox News’ Brett Baier and streamed live on FOX Nation, the Senators discussed the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and Iran sanctions, and the fentanyl crisis.
Higher Education Pathways to Immigration: Why it Matters
April 23, 2023
As part of the Kennedy Institute’s commitment to host compelling dialogues on the nation’s critical issues, the Kennedy Institute partnered with UMass Boston, the Immigration Initiative at Harvard, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration for a half-day event illuminating higher education’s role in facilitating immigration pathways, developing talent and potential, and reducing barriers to integration and naturalization.
Experience America – More than 40 Ambassadors to the US at the Kennedy Institute
March 26, 2023
The Kennedy Institute welcomed more than 30 foreign ambassadors – representing countries across 5 continents – to Boston as part of the Experience America diplomatic event. Led by the U.S. Department of State, Experience America connects foreign ambassadors with academic, business, community, and cultural leaders with the goal of strengthening relationships to promote economic investment, commerce, and dialogue.
Author Event with Cody Keenan – Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America
October 26, 2022
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute was joined by board members Cody Keenan and the Honorable William “Mo” Cowan for a fascinating conversation about Keenan’s latest book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. Keenan talked about how the book shares an intimate glimpse into how he and President Obama co-created language to address some of the most challenging instances of recent American history, including how to address America after yet another mass shooting.
60th Anniversary Event: Balancing Powers
September 21, 2022
The Kennedy Institute hosted a virtual conversation examining how Senator Kennedy drew upon his influence and collaborations across 10 presidential administrations, including his work as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to help shape the U.S. court system.
60th Anniversary Event: Working Across the Aisle
September 13, 2022
In Working Across the Aisle, the Kennedy Institute was joined by key members of the Senator’s former staff, as well as political collaborators from across the aisle, to discuss Senator Kennedy’s unique approaches to serving his constituents and advancing public policy through bipartisanship and consensus building.
Senate Project Debate between Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Rob Portman (R-OH)
August 1, 2022
The second installment of The Senate Project debate series was held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at George Washington University in Washington, DC; between Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). Moderated by CBS News’ Nikole Killion, the Senators debated the economy and inflation, gun control, immigration policy, and protection of individual freedoms.
Kennedy and Hume: A Journey of Peace in Northern Ireland
June 23, 2022
The Kennedy Institute, John & Pat Hume Foundation, and the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston hosted a conversation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first meeting between Senator Edward M. Kennedy and John Hume, and its profound impact on finding a path to peace in Northern Ireland. The event featured a panel of ambassadors and elected officials, and explored how the legacy of this powerful relationship still resonates today.
Senate Project Debate between Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
June 13, 2022
The inaugural installment of The Senate Project debate series was held on Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Kennedy Institute in Boston, Massachusetts; between Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Moderated by Fox News’ Brett Baier and streamed live on FOX Nation, the Senators debated various policy issues in our replica Senate Chamber before a live audience.