[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 136 (Friday, October 4, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S7211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 266--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 7 THROUGH 13, 
  2013. AS ``NATIONAL CHESS WEEK'' TO ENHANCE AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE 
   STUDENTS AND ADULTS TO ENGAGE IN A GAME KNOWN TO ENHANCE CRITICAL 
                  THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for himself, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Levin) 
submitting the following resolution; which was considered and agreed 
to:

                              S. Res. 266

       Whereas there are more than 80,000 members of the United 
     States Chess Federation (referred to in this preamble as the 
     ``Federation''), and unknown numbers of additional people in 
     the United States who play chess without joining an official 
     organization;
       Whereas approximately \1/2\ of the members of the 
     Federation are members of scholastic chess programs;
       Whereas many studies have linked scholastic chess programs 
     to the improvement of students' scores in reading and math, 
     as well as improved self-esteem;
       Whereas the Federation offers guidance to educators to help 
     incorporate chess into the school curriculum;
       Whereas chess is a powerful cognitive learning tool that 
     can be used to successfully enhance students' reading skills 
     and understanding of math concepts, as well as to improve 
     memory function for people of all ages;
       Whereas chess also offers educational and social activity 
     benefits to adults and is used in programs to help stroke 
     victims and people suffering from post-traumatic stress 
     disorder; and
       Whereas the Federation offers programs for adults including 
     senior citizens, members of the Armed Forces, and veterans: 
     Now, therefore, be it
         Resolved, That the Senate--
         (1) designates the week of October 7 through 13, 2013, as 
     ``National Chess Week'' to enhance awareness and encourage 
     students and adults to play chess, a game known to enhance 
     critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for students of 
     all ages, learning abilities, and strengths; and
         (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     National Chess Week with appropriate programs and activities.

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