March 4, 2026
Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Coons, Mr. Lankford, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Budd, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mrs. Britt, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Daines, Mr. Risch, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. King, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Warren, and Ms. Blunt Rochester) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Designating March 6, 2026, 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 6, 2026, 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.