Flint Hills NSDA Congressional Debate 0 Legislation Starter Packet Rationale This packet was created using the legislation created by the NSDA from October-December of 0. There was an attempt to create debates on a variety of instances. All of the bills/resolutions should be fair game in Varsity/Open chambers. However, a second list will be created for bills/resolutions to use in either the Novice or After-School Congressional Debate chambers to simplify the research burden on our novice Representatives. Those bills will be noted in a second contents table at the bottom of this page. If tournaments opt to not use them, and use the full packet for novices, it should be noted in the invitation. Varsity/Open Legislation Bill/Resolution Page Bill/Resolution Title Number A Bill to Withdraw Troops from Syria A Resolution to Urge the United States to Ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea A Bill to Strive for Greater Diversity in Education A Bill to Eliminate Foreign Military Financing to Enemies of a Free Press A Bill to Save the Earth by Mandating Cleaner Trucks Congressional Revolving Door Ban Act Local Control of School Lunch Act 0 Voting Opportunities Throughout Elections (VOTE) Act A Resolution to Amend the th Amendment of the Constitution to Clarify Birthright Citizenship A Bill to Enforce Responsible Gun Ownership Space Policy Advancing Commerce & Economy ( SPACE ) Act A Resolution to Amend Senate Rules for Presidential Nominations A Resolution to Amend the Constitution to Ensure Succession Stability and Executive Accountability Regarding Treaties A Resolution to Increase Funds for Prenatal Care in Prisons A Bill to Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing A Resolution to Grant Japan Military Independence A Resolution to Strengthen Trade Relations with the United Kingdom 0 A Bill to Combat Climate Change through State Governments A Bill to Regulate Cryptocurrencies A Bill to Deter Use of the Dark Web A Bill to Establish a United Terrorism Task Force A Bill to Save the Bee Population
Novice/After School Legislation Bill/Resolution Page Bill/Resolution Title Number A Bill to Withdraw Troops from Syria A Resolution to Urge the United States to Ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Local Control of School Lunch Act 0 Voting Opportunities Throughout Elections (VOTE) Act A Bill to Enforce Responsible Gun Ownership A Bill to Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing 0 A Bill to Combat Climate Change through State Governments A Bill to Regulate Cryptocurrencies A Bill to Establish a United Terrorism Task Force A Bill to Save the Bee Population
A Bill to Withdraw Troops from Syria 0 SECTION. Except as provided in, no further funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the purpose of A. deploying members of the United States Armed Forces on to the ground of Syria for the purposes of engaging in ground combat operations; B. awarding a contract to a private security contractor to conduct any activity on the ground of Syria; or C. otherwise establishing or maintaining any presence of members of the United States Armed Forces or private security contractors on the ground of Syria, unless the purpose of such presence is limited solely to rescuing or protecting members of the United States Armed Forces from imminent danger. SECTION. The prohibition under does not apply to the deployment of United States Armed Forces to protect, rescue, or remove United States personnel. SECTION. This bill shall take effect upon passage. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket); adapted from H.R. - Prohibit Expansion of U.S. Combat Troops into Syria Act, th Congress (0-0) by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA).
A Resolution to Urge the United States to Ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 0 WHEREAS, The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was adopted by Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in December, and entered into force in November to establish a treaty regime to govern activities on, over, and under the world s oceans; and WHEREAS, The convention has been ratified by parties, which includes states and the European Union, but not the United States; and WHEREAS, Relying on other nations to assert claims on behalf of the United States at the Hague Convention is woefully insufficient to defend and uphold United States sovereign rights and interests; and WHEREAS, Given strategic challenges the United States faces in the Asia-Pacific region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Congress here assembled urge the Senate to give its advice and consent to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Congress recommend the President become a signatory to the UNCLOS. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket); adapted from S.Res., th Congress (0-0) by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
A Bill to Strive for Greater Diversity in Education 0 0 SECTION. Guidelines revoked in July 0 by the Secretary of Education shall be restored and herewith codified into law regarding use of race by elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools under the Constitution, Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of (Title IV), U.S.C. 000c et seq., and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of (Title VI), U.S.C. 000d et seq. SECTION. The following specific documents shall be reinstated: (a). December, 0 Dear Colleague Letter Regarding the Use of Race by Educational Institutions; (b). 0 Guidance on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve Diversity in Postsecondary Education dated December, 0; (c). 0 Guidance on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve Diversity and Avoid Racial Isolation in Elementary and Secondary Schools dated December, 0; (d). September, 0 Dear Colleague Letter on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve Diversity in Higher Education After Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin [Fisher I]; (e). September, 0 Questions and Answers About Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin [Fisher I]; (f). May, 0 Dear Colleague Letter on the Supreme Court Ruling in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action; and (g). September 0, 0 Questions and Answers About Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin [Fisher II]. SECTION. SECTION. LGBTQ+ students shall be added to the restored guidelines as a classification deserving protection and enhancing diversity. This bill shall take effect upon passage. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket).
A Bill to Eliminate Foreign Military Financing to Enemies of a Free Press 0 SECTION. US Foreign Military Aid to countries who score above a 0 on the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) will be eliminated until. SECTION. A. The World Press Freedom Index is compiled by Reporters Without Borders and is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework, and safety of the journalists in each country (RSF.org) B. US Foreign Military Aid includes all aid labeled as Foreign Military Financing (FMF) in the Congressional Budget Justification. SECTION. A. The State Department will modify all aid budget requests to comply with this legislation B. Congress may not authorize budget allocation for Foreign Military Aid to any country which has scored a 0 or higher on the WPFI in the year preceding the budgetary allocation C. Any existing deals for Military Financing for countries scoring higher than 0 on the WPFI will be immediately nullified. SECTION. This legislation will go into effect for the budget in FY 0. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket).
A Bill to Save the Earth by Mandating Cleaner Trucks 0 SECTION. All new semi-trailer trucks sold in the United States must have an EPA rating of at least 0 Miles Per Gallon SECTION. The Miles Per Gallon should be the calculated average with a fully loaded trailer on level ground SECTION. A. The EPA will measure and report on the fuel efficiency of all semitrailer trucks for sale in the United States. B. The seller of any new truck that does not meet these guidelines is subject to a fine of $0,000 per offending vehicle sold C. The Department of Transportation will be responsible for monitoring the sale of trucks and enforcing this legislation through legal action SECTION. This legislation will take effect January, 0 SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket).
Congressional Revolving Door Ban Act 0 0 SECTION. No individual serving as a Member of Congress on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall, upon the completion of the Member's term of office, accept compensation for offering any advice or engaging in written or oral communication with regard to () formulation, modification, or adoption of Federal legislation (including legislative proposals); () formulation, modification, or adoption of a Federal rule, regulation, Executive order, or any other program, policy, or position of the United States Government; () administration or execution of a Federal program or policy (including the negotiation, award, or administration of a Federal contract, grant, loan, permit, or license); () nomination or confirmation of an individual for a position subject to confirmation by the Senate; or () representation of any party in a pending matter involving the Federal Government before a Federal court or in a Federal administrative proceeding. SECTION. Exception: shall not apply to full-time employment by or elected service in Federal, State, or local government, unless the activities described in that subsection constitute a primary responsibility of employment. SECTION. Penalty: Whoever violates this section shall be fined the greater of not greater than $,000,000 or the value of the compensation received by the individual, imprisoned for not more than years, or both. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket); adapted from S., th Congress (0-0) by Rep. Ben Sasse (R-NE).
Local Control of School Lunch Act 0 SECTION. For purposes of determining minimum nutrition requirements under section (a)()(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( U.S.C. (a)()(a)) the Secretary of Agriculture shall () not establish or apply any requirements with respect to (A) target sodium; (B) calorie limitations; or (C) the percentage of grains made with enriched or whole grain flour; and () with respect to grains and meats served in school breakfasts, apply section 0. of title, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section was in effect on September, 00. SECTION. Repeal Of Paid Equity Requirements. Subsection (p) of section of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( U.S.C. 0) is repealed. SECTION. Regulations. () The Secretary of Agriculture shall update and issue regulations to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section. () WAIVER. The Secretary of Agriculture shall offer a State and local waiver for secondary schools with respect to the requirements under section 0.(e) of title, Code of Federal Regulations. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (October 0 docket); adapted from H.R. th Congress (0-0) by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO).
Voting Opportunities Throughout Elections (VOTE) Act 0 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. For all elections for Members of Congress, and the President, the following standards shall apply: A. Same-day voter registration must be allowed. B. States shall require photo identification only for same-day voter registrants. C. Early voting shall be allowed for at least 0 days, with time allotted on at least one weekday evening per week until p.m., and for at least six hours on one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) each week. D. Non-incarcerated individuals who have completed their sentence, including supervised release but not parole, probation, nor any registration registry requirement must be allowed to vote. E. States may not restrict voter registration drives, efforts, or campaigns. F. States may not purge registered voters within a ten-year period of voting. G. No restrictions shall be placed on college or university students. The Federal Elections Commission shall establish administrative policies related to enforcement of this act. The Department of Justice shall ensure compliance by states. This act shall take effect for the first federal election following passage. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket).
A Resolution to Amend the th Amendment of the Constitution to Clarify Birthright Citizenship 0 RESOLVED, By two-thirds of the Congress here assembled, that the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission by the Congress: SECTION : SECTION : ARTICLE -- The first sentence of Article of the th Amendment shall be reworded as: All persons born to citizens or legal residents of the United States, or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket).
A Bill to Enforce Responsible Gun Ownership 0 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Localities that are not covered by a law declaring It is unlawful for an adult to leave an unsecured firearm owned or controlled by the adult in a manner that the adult knows or reasonably should know is accessible to a child is not eligible for federal grants will not be eligible to receive any federal grants for education or law enforcement. (A) Adult is person who has attained years of age (B) Child is person who has not attained years of age (C) Firearm utilizes the definition in U.S.C.. (D) Secured means in a locked safe or rendered inoperable by means of a lock or other secure gun storage or safety device and where no one other than the owner has access to the code, combination, or key. The Department of Justice will monitor the compliance of states and localities and alert the relevant people in the appropriations process at the Department of State and Department of Education to prevent the dispersal of funds to ineligible localities. Localities may be covered by state, county, or local laws as long as: (A) The law is substantively similar to Section (B) Laws convey criminal liability for crimes committed by children given unlawful access to firearms with said firearms upon the responsible adult. States have months from the date of enactment to comply with this law. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket); adapted in part from H.R., th Congress (0-0) by Rep. James R. Langevin (D-RI).
Space Policy Advancing Commerce & Economy ( SPACE ) Act 0 0 SECTION. The government will consolidate and reduce regulatory burdens to create a favorable economic environment for commercial space activities. SECTION. U.S.C. 00 shall be amended to change the name of the Office of Space Commerce to the Bureau of Space Commerce. SECTION. U.S.C. 00 shall be amended: A. Establish Bureau of Space Commerce within the Dept. of Commerce, with an Asst. Secretary for Space Commerce, to be appointed by the President and to report directly to the Secretary of Commerce. The Bureau shall promote, coordinate, and regulate space commerce activities including to: foster conditions for economic growth in space industry; coordinating negotiations to promotes U.S. space commerce abroad; promoting geospatial technologies; and providing support to Federal organizations working on space-based positioning navigation. B. The U.S. Government shall not compete with commercial providers. SECTION. U.S.C. 0 shall be amended by striking paragraph (a)(), removing a limitation on the Secretary of Commerce s licensing authority related to private space systems; and strike 0 and delegates authority to regulate remote sensing activities to the Bureau of Space Commerce. SECTION. The Secretary of Commerce shall consult with commercial space industry representatives to seek input on policy and regulatory updates. The Federal Advisory Committee Act ( U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to interactions described herein. SECTION. Appropriations of $0 million shall be made for each of the fiscal years 00 through 0. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket); adapted from legislative proposal of Oct., 0 by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
A Resolution to Amend Senate Rules for Presidential Nominations 0 0 WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States vests in the Senate a sacred duty to ensure scrutiny of Presidential nominees for top-level Executive and Judicial Branch officials are the best candidates fit for their positions, and not obligations of favor to the President; and WHEREAS, To be impartial adjudicators of the law, all judges and Justices must affirmatively demonstrate their ability to be unencumbered with political bias and must exhibit a temperament fitting of that impartiality; and WHEREAS, Presidentially-appointed Executive Branch officials exert high authority and crucial administrative rulemaking for laws passed by this Congress; and WHEREAS, In a highly partisan contemporary climate, the American people deserve a process for advice and consent not marked by political tribalism or self- interest motivated by impending elections; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate here assembled amend Rule XXXI: Executive Session - Proceedings on Nominations included in Standing Rules of the Senate, to add a new Rule, and renumber subsequent rules as -: Proceedings on a nomination shall be suspended indefinitely in the event of credible allegations of criminal, immoral, or unethical behavior, until such allegations are resolved satisfactorily upon the concurrence of the committee chair and ranking minority member, and this rule may not be suspended without two-thirds of a committee concurring. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket).
A Resolution to Amend the Constitution to Ensure Succession Stability and Executive Accountability Regarding Treaties 0 WHEREAS, WHEREAS, RESOLVED, Each new President inherits stewardship of treaties previously ratified to by the United States of America in good faith in the international community; and The President must obtain advice and consent of the Senate before ratifying a treaty, so it logically follows the Senate should offer advice and consent in withdrawal from a treaty; now, therefore, be it By two-thirds of the Congress here assembled, that the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission by the Congress: SECTION : SECTION : ARTICLE -- The President must obtain Advice and Consent of the Senate to withdraw from any treaty previously ratified by the United States of America. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the National Speech & Debate Association (November 0 docket).
A Resolution to Increase Funds for Prenatal Care in Prisons WHEREAS, The majority of states have failed basic prenatal care standards; and WHEREAS, prenatal care can be used to detect and prevent a wide variety of problems such as spina bifida, anencephaly and many others; and WHEREAS, children born with these conditions are significantly less likely to be adopted as those without the condition because of the financial commitment required to raise children with birth defects, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Congress here assembled increase funds for prenatal care in prisons, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That prisons will be subjected to a yearly review by 0 The National Women s Law Center.
A Bill to Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing SECTION. The United States shall provide a percent corporate income tax reduction to companies in the manufacturing sector. In order to be eligible for the incentive, all components of the product must be manufactured in the United States. SECTION. The manufacturing sector shall be defined as the sector that comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. SECTION. The Internal Revenue Service and Department of Commerce shall be responsible for implementing this legislation. SECTION. This legislation shall be implemented beginning in 00 calendar tax year. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.
A Resolution to Grant Japan Military Independence WHEREAS, The United States restricted military involvement, movement, and force by Japan after World War II; and WHEREAS, These sanctions do not allow Japan to provide military support to conflicts the United States is engaged in; and WHEREAS, The United States is currently the sole provider of military force for the nation of Japan; and WHEREAS, U.S. military members have engaged in crime and human rights abuses in Japanese communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the United States support Japan s use of war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force in settling international disputes and the right of Japan to maintain land, sea, and air forces as well as other war potential ; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Congress shall establish a mutual defense relationship between the United States of America and Japan.
A Resolution to Strengthen Trade Relations with the United Kingdom 0 WHEREAS, The United Kingdom s exit from the European Union has created an international trade fiasco; and WHEREAS, The eventual end of free trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union has presented an opportunity for free trade between the United States and the United Kingdom; and WHEREAS, Pursuing closer economic relations with the United Kingdom can boost both the global economy and diplomatic relations independently of the European Union; and WHEREAS, A free trade agreement would reaffirm the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Congress here assembled begin negotiations with the United Kingdom to establish a free trade agreement between our two nations.
A Bill to Combat Climate Change through State Governments SECTION. A.) The federal government shall annually subsidize 0% of the cost of renewable energy projects undertaken by state governments. B.) States who fail to undertake a renewable energy project shall lose 0% of their federal highway funding for the following year. States whose majority of power usage already comes from renewable energy shall not be subject to this penalty. C.) Subsidies and penalties from Sections and do not compound. SECTION. Renewable energy is defined as sources of power that do not deplete the natural environment. SECTION. The Department of Energy will oversee the administration of subsidies and project monitoring. The Department of Transportation will oversee the administration of state highway funding. SECTION. This legislation shall go into effect one year after passage. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.
A Bill to Regulate Cryptocurrencies BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shall regulate cryptocurrencies to bring stability to the market and minimize money laundering. SECTION. A cryptocurrency is defined as a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. SECTION. The Security Exchange Commission will regulate cryptocurrency exchanges in order to protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and maintain orderly and fair markets. SECTION. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shall oversee the implementation and enforcement of this bill. SECTION. This Bill shall be implemented at the start of the 00 fiscal year. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.
A Bill to Deter Use of the Dark Web SECTION. Whoever downloads data from the Dark Web, uses the Dark Web as an individual or through a proxy, hosts a website on the Dark Web, or downloads software that would only be reasonably used to access the Dark Web shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. SECTION. The Dark Web is the part of the web not indexed by search engines, or websites that are hosted on overlay networks that can only be accessed through specific software or authorization. SECTION. The Department of Justice shall oversee the implementation of this legislation. A. This legislation shall not apply to whistleblowers, or individuals who expose information about public or private entities that they deem unethical. B. The Department of Justice shall receive 0 million U.S.D. to use on the prosecution of Dark Web users. SECTION. This legislation shall go into effect on March st, 0. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.
A Bill to Establish a United Terrorism Task Force SECTION. A.) A special operations unit shall be established to combat terrorism worldwide. The force shall be comprised of 0,000 operatives. B.) The United States shall provide $00 million in aid to each party that fulfills its quota of provided operatives, used for the purposes of improving security measures within member states of the UTT. SECTION. Terrorism shall be defined as non-state actors that commit violent actions to harm human rights and target civilians with political intention. Operatives shall be defined as elite forces including combat troops and leadership personnel that have been trained and approved by the party providing said forces. SECTION. The Department of Defense shall oversee the creation of the taskforce. The Department of State shall oversee the sending of aid packages to member nations. SECTION. This legislation shall be implemented one year after passage. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.
A Bill to Save the Bee Population SECTION. The United States shall ban the use of neonicotinoid in all agriculture in the United States to prevent the further decline of the bee population. SECTION. Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. SECTION. The implementation of this bill will be overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency. A. Farmers will be given a year in order to comply with this change. B. After the initial grace period, penalty fees will be assessed based on the usage. SECTION. This bill will be implemented on January, 00. SECTION. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void