Debate Topics and Rules

Congressional Debate Docket

Session 1

Spring #4: Strategic Uranium Stockpiling Act

Fall #24: The Future of Flight Act

Fall #7: A Bill to Establish a Standardized Exam-Based College Admissions Process

Spring #9: Congressional Authorization of Military Power (CAMP) Act

Session 2

Fall #2: A Resolution to Redefine the Standard Workweek to Promote Public Health

Fall #19: A Bill to Address the American Housing Crisis

Spring #14: A Bill to Regulate the Use of Generative AI to Protect Americans' Personal Property

Spring #17: A Bill to Ensure Quality Education for Puerto Rican Public School Students

Session 3

Fall #23: A Bill to Prohibit the Marketing of Prize-Based Content to Children

Fall #18: A Bill to Establish Independent Redistricting Commission to Abolish Gerrymandering

Spring #16: The Pandemic Readiness & Emergency Preparedness Act (P.R.E.P. Act)

Spring #10: The Radical Alliance with India (RAI) Act

Public Forum Debate

NSDA Times: 4-4-3-4-4-3-3-3-2-2, 3 minutes prep

Resolved:The United States should eliminate the President’s authority to deploy military forces abroad without Congressional approval. (2026 April Topic)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

NSDA Times: 6-3-7-3-4-6-3, 4 minutes prep

Resolved: The United States military ought to abide by the principle of non-intervention. (2026 March/April Topic)

Policy Debate

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.

World Schools Debate

Motions:

Rounds 1 and 2—This House believes that the United States should significantly increase investment in a high-speed rail network. (Teams will debate both sides.)

Round 3—Impromptu Motion

Round 4—Impromptu Motion

Quarterfinals —Impromptu Motion

Semifinals—This House, as a water-stressed region, would restrict water-intensive industries, even at the cost of economic growth.

Finals—Impromptu Motion

Times: Speaking and preparation times will be shortened for middle school students:

First Proposition: 6 minutes

First Opposition: 6 minutes

Second Proposition: 6 minutes

Second Opposition: 6 minutes

Third Proposition: 6 minutes

Third Opposition: 6 minutes

Opposition Reply: 3 minutes

Proposition Reply: 3 minutes

Teams will receive 45 minutes to prepare for impromptu rounds. However, teams do not receive prep time during WS debate rounds.

Rules: NSDA rules will be used.

In WS debate, students may not use electronic storage or retrieval devices. If a team uses electronic devices during a debate round or during an impromptu preparation period, they will automatically receive a loss for that round.

(Please note: A mobile phone in airplane mode can be used for timing only.)

During the preparation time for the impromptu rounds, students can have a dictionary and a one-volume encyclopedia or almanac. They cannot access the internet, text messages, or any previously-prepared materials, including speeches and flows from previous rounds. Additionally, they cannot consult anyone (coaches included) outside their 3-5 person team.