[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 520--DESIGNATING MARCH 6, 2020, AS ``NATIONAL SPEECH 
                       AND DEBATE EDUCATION DAY''

  Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Ernst, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Braun, Mr. King, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Cotton) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 520

       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 6, 2020, 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.

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