A resolution designating March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day".

Bill: 119-sres-88
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2025-02-21
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Civics education

Commemorative events and holidays

Elementary and secondary education

Language arts
Latest action: action_date: 2025-02-21
text: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1303; text: CR S1136)

Summaries:
action_date: 2025-02-21
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution designates March 7, 2025, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.</p>

tv_txt: III 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 88 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 21 (legislative day, February 20), 2025 Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Coons , Mr. Barrasso , Mrs. Blackburn , Mrs. Britt , Mr. Budd , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Daines , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Hassan , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Risch , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Warnock , 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 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 7, 2025, 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.