[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 520 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 520

 Designating March 6, 2020, as ``National Speech and Debate Education 
                                 Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 27, 2020

  Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Ernst, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. 
  Crapo, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Braun, Mr. King, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Cotton) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Designating March 6, 2020, as ``National Speech and Debate Education 
                                 Day''.

Whereas it is essential for youth to learn and practice the art of communicating 
        with and without technology;
Whereas speech and debate education offers students myriad forms of public 
        speaking through which students may develop talent and exercise unique 
        voice and character;
Whereas speech and debate education gives students the 21st-century skills of 
        communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration;
Whereas critical analysis and effective communication allow important ideas, 
        texts, and philosophies the opportunity to flourish;
Whereas personal, professional, and civic interactions are enhanced by the 
        ability of the participants in those interactions to listen, concur, 
        question, and dissent with reason and compassion;
Whereas students who participate in speech and debate have chosen a challenging 
        activity that requires regular practice, dedication, and hard work;
Whereas teachers and coaches of speech and debate devote in-school, afterschool, 
        and weekend hours to equip students with life-changing skills and 
        opportunities;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the lifelong impact 
        of providing people of the United States with the confidence and 
        preparation to both discern and share views;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day acknowledges that most 
        achievements, celebrations, commemorations, and pivotal moments in 
        modern history begin, end, or are crystallized with public address;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day recognizes that learning to 
        research, construct, and present an argument is integral to personal 
        advocacy, social movements, and the making of public policy;
Whereas the National Speech & Debate Association, in conjunction with national 
        and local partners, honors and celebrates the importance of speech and 
        debate through National Speech and Debate Education Day; and
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the importance of 
        speech and debate education and the integration of speech and debate 
        education across grade levels and disciplines: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates March 6, 2020, as ``National Speech and 
        Debate Education Day'';
            (2) strongly affirms the purposes of National Speech and 
        Debate Education Day; and
            (3) encourages educational institutions, businesses, 
        community and civic associations, and all people of the United 
        States to celebrate and promote National Speech and Debate 
        Education Day.
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