The University of Northampton welcomes two former members of the US Congress

The School of Social Sciences at the University of Northampton welcomed two former members of the US House of Representatives who spoke at the Congress to Campus event at Park Campus on Wednesday 5 March 2014.

Former representatives Bob Clement and James K. Coyne discussed contemporary issues in American politics, including the future of Obama’s presidency, the debate over the federal budget and the global challenges confronting American foreign policy, before an audience of University students and A-Level pupils from local schools.

Democrat Bob Clement, from Tennessee, served eight terms in Congress from 1988 until 2003 and sat on the influential Budget Committee. He commented: “I’ve had a great day here at the University of Northampton. I can’t say enough about this wonderful University and how people have received us and welcomed us as we have come from the US as former members of Congress. We’ve spoken to the students and they ask a lot of great questions.”

His Republican counterpart, Jim Coyne, represented Pennsylvania from 1981 and 1983 and then spent 18 years with the US National Air Transportation Association. He said: “I was really impressed with the level of questions and interest this talk received from the students.  I’ve been to several colleges and universities in the US and I think the University of Northampton is preparing its students just as well, if not better. It’s great to come to the UK and see how things are done here.”

David Waller, Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Northampton, commented: “Congress to Campus is a unique opportunity for students to hear from those with personal experience at the highest levels of American government. We’re really grateful to Bob and Jim for being prepared to share their insights with us.”

The Congress to Campus event was organised by the School of Social Sciences in association with the Eccles Centre for American Studies at The British Library and the US National Association of Former Members of Congress.