A resolution designating March 3, 2017, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day".

Bill: 115-sres-65
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2017-02-17
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays

Elementary and secondary education

Language arts
Latest action: action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1416; text of measure as passed: CR S1398)

Summaries:
action_date: 2017-02-17
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>Designates March 3, 2017, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.</p>

action_date: 2017-02-17
action_desc: Passed Senate without amendment
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</p> <p>Designates March 3, 2017, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.</p>

tv_txt: III 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 65 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 17 (legislative day, February 16), 2017 Mr. Grassley (for himself and Mr. Coons ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 3, 2017, 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

That the Senate— (1) designates March 3, 2017, 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.