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[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 398 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

114th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 398

 Designating March 15, 2016, as ``National Speech and Debate Education 
                                 Day''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 14, 2016

   Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Coons, and Mr. King) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Designating March 15, 2016, 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 15, 2016, 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.
                                 <all>
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