III
119THCONGRESS
1
STSESSION S. RES. 88
Designating March 7, 2025, as ‘‘National Speech and Debate Education
Day’’.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
FEBRUARY21 (legislative day, FEBRUARY20), 2025
Mr. G
RASSLEY(for himself, Mr. COONS, Mr. BARRASSO, Mrs. BLACKBURN,
Mrs. B
RITT, Mr. BUDD, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. DAINES, Mr.
D
URBIN, Ms. HASSAN, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. KING, Ms. KLOBUCHAR,
Mr. L
ANKFORD, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. RISCH, Mr. SCOTTof Florida, Mr.
W
ARNOCK, and Ms. WARREN) submitted the following resolution; which
was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Designating March 7, 2025, 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 de-
velop talent and exercise unique voice and character;
Whereas speech and debate education gives students the 21st
century skills of communication, critical thinking, cre-
ativity, and collaboration;
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•SRES 88 ATS
Whereas critical analysis and effective communication allow
important ideas, texts, and philosophies the opportunity
to flourish;
Whereas personal, professional, and civic interactions are en-
hanced by the ability of the participants in those inter-
actions to listen, concur, question, and dissent with rea-
son and compassion;
Whereas students who participate in speech and debate have
chosen a challenging activity that requires regular prac-
tice, dedication, and hard work;
Whereas teachers and coaches of speech and debate devote
in-school, afterschool, and weekend hours to equip stu-
dents with life-changing skills and opportunities;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day empha-
sizes the lifelong impact of providing people of the United
States with the confidence and preparation to both dis-
cern and share views;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day ac-
knowledges that most achievements, celebrations, com-
memorations, and pivotal moments in modern history
begin, end, or are crystallized with public address;
Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day recog-
nizes that learning to research, construct, and present an
argument is integral to personal advocacy, social move-
ments, and the making of public policy;
Whereas the National Speech & Debate Association, in con-
junction 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 empha-
sizes the importance of speech and debate education and
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•SRES 88 ATS
the integration of speech and debate education across
grade levels and disciplines: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate— 1
(1) designates March 7, 2025, as ‘‘National 2
Speech and Debate Education Day’’; 3
(2) strongly affirms the purposes of National 4
Speech and Debate Education Day; and 5
(3) encourages educational institutions, busi-6
nesses, community and civic associations, and all 7
people of the United States to celebrate and promote 8
National Speech and Debate Education Day. 9
Æ
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