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S.Res. 61: A resolution designating March 3, 2023, as “National Speech and Debate Education Day”.

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The text of the resolution below is as of Feb 14, 2023 (Resolution Agreed to by Senate).

III

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 61

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 14, 2023

(for himself, Mr. Coons, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Britt, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Daines, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. King, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. Risch, and Mr. Warnock) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating March 3, 2023, 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, 2023, 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.