RESEARCH LINKS

THE IDEA OF THE 32-HOUR (OR FOUR-DAY) WORKWEEK has been bandied about for decades in the U.S. As far back as the 1950s, The New York Times reported that then U.S. Vice President Richard M. Nixon—a Republican—predicted the coming of the four-day or 32-hour workweek in our nation. In a Sept. 23, 1956, NYT article, reporter William M. Blair wrote, “Vice President Richard M. Nixon foresaw tonight for the ‘not too distant future’ a four-day workweek and a fuller family life for every American.”

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek
Congress.gov: H.R.1332 “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act”
The Hill: “33 Companies Tested 4-day Week. None Are Planning to Switch Back”
shrm.org: “Is the 32-Hour Workweek Feasible in the US? Experts Weigh In”
New York Times: “Trial Run of 4-Day Workweek Wins Converts”
KXAN.com: “60 School Districts in Texas Have Made Switch to 4-day Weeks”
Higher Ed Dive: “Inside One College’s Move to a 4-day Workweek”

Issue 2: Gas Stoves
Congress.gov: S.240 “Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act”
U.S. Oil and Gas Association: “Hands Off My Stove”
Fox News: “Democrat Led Cities Already Moving Forward on Gas Stove Bans”
USA Today: “Gas Stove Bans Explained: Why Are They Suddenly Controversial?”
Wall Street Journal: “Banning Gas Stoves by Regulation”
Fox News: “’Hands Off My Stove:’ Group Pushes Back Against Gas Stove Bans”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek

1. How do you think having a shorter workweek would affect workers’ productivity? Would it rise, fall or remain the same? Why?
2. If your school changed to a 4-day week, how would that affect your life? For instance, you might have less time for an after-school job. What are other ways such a schedule might affect your life?
3. How might a shorter workweek be good or bad for the environment? Explain.
4. In Japan, Microsoft trialed a four-day workweek and saw improvements in workers’ productivity and job satisfaction. Do you think this would work in the U.S.? Why or why not?
5. How did the COVID pandemic change American workers’ expectations about work/life balance? Explain.

Issue 2: Gas Stoves

1. Why do you think gas stoves have become such a “hot topic?” What is the underlying issue? Explain.
2. Regarding gas stoves, CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka, Jr. said, “Products that can’t be made safe can be banned.” Republications charged that the statement was a weaponization of the federal bureaucracy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Trumka later clarified that regulations restricting gas stoves would apply to new products only (not gas stoves currently in people’s homes). Does this change your opinion? Why or why not?
4. Read the pro/con quotes for the gas stoves issue on p. 3 of the Student Forum newsletter. Whose opinion do you agree with more? Explain why.
5. Do you think it’s unfair to tell people which appliance they can and can’t use? Why or why not?

RESEARCH LINKS

THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE (SPR) is the world’s largest supply of emergency crude oil. Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, these federally owned oil stocks are stored in massive underground salt domes (or caverns) along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico.

Issue 1: Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Congress.gov: H.R.21 “Strategic Production Response Act”
U.S. Department of Energy: “Strategic Petroleum Reserve Quick Facts”
WaPo: “What Is the Strategic Oil Reserve and Can It Lower Prices?”
Axios.com: “How the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Works”
Politico.com OpEd: “Tapping the Oil Reserve Is Bad Policy”
WSJ.com: “Why Is Biden Tapping the SPR and Will It Bring Lower Gas Prices?”

Issue 2: D.C. Statehood

Congress.gov: S.51 “Washington, D.C. Admission Act”
Brennan Center for Justice: “D.C. Statehood Explained”
Senate.gov: Hearing, Cato Institute Statement – “Examining D.C. Statehood”
statehoodresearchdc.org: “Democracy Deferred: D.C.’s Two-Century Struggle”
League of Women Voters: “FAQs About Statehood for the People of D.C.”
Politico: “Your All-Purpose Wonk’s Guide to Why D.C. Statehood Is So Hard”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Strategic Petroleum Reserve

1. President Biden’s recent release of oil from the SPR succeeded in reducing the cost of gasoline for Americans. Yet the SPR has dropped to its lowest level since 1985 in less than a year. Did Biden make the right decision? Why or why not?
2. The SPR wasn’t technically designed to help the U.S. government manage the price consumers pay for gasoline, but it has been used that way by multiple administrations. Does this make it “okay” for administrations to tap into it for that purpose?
3. H.R.21 limits the drawdown of petroleum in the SPR until the Department of Energy develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. Should alternatives to oil and gas production, such as renewable energy options, also be considered as solutions? Why or why not?
4. Is releasing emergency oil reserves when there are no fuel shortages or lines at the pump worth what might come next? Is the benefit to the American public worth the risk?
5. What is your perception of President Biden’s motives for tapping the SPR to lower gas prices? Are his intentions politically motivated? Why or why not?

Issue 2: D.C. Statehood

1. How do you think the inclusion of D.C. as a state might impact the future of the country?
2. D.C. citizens pay high taxes but do not have representation in Congress. Is statehood the right solution to this problem? Why or why not?
3. If admitted, D.C. would have the highest proportion of Black residents of any state. Does this fact make D.C. statehood a civil rights issue? Why or why not?
4. What do you think? Should D.C. become a state? Explain your reasoning.
5. What are the arguments for and against D.C. statehood? Which do you believe are the strongest, and which are weaker?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: TikTok Ban

SINCE ITS LAUNCH, TIKTOK has become a popular meeting place for under-25-year-olds, but recently the social media app is the subject of a slew of state bans and a U.S. national security probe.

Congress.gov: “S.5245 – ANTI-SOCIAL CCP Act”
Rubio/Gallagher OpEd: “TikTok, time’s up; app should be banned in America”
WSJ.com: “Senate Passes Bill Banning TikTok From Government Devices”
Gizmodo.com: “TikTok Owner Admits Employees Accessed Data of U.S. Users”
TheHill.com: “Lawmakers introduce bill to ban TikTok in U.S.”
Reuters.com: “U.S. lawmakers unveil bipartisan bid to ban China’s TikTok”
TheGuardian.com: “Revealed: How TikTok censors videos don’t please China”

Issue 2: Cryptocurrency
Congress.gov: “S.4760 Digital Commodities Consumer Protection Act of 2022”
Overview: “The Digital Commodities Consumer Protection Act Closes Gaps”
Marketplace.org: “Your questions about cryptocurrency answered”
cnbc.com: “Congress considers crypto consumer protection bill SBF backed”
Thomsonreuters.com: “Why the crypto economy needs stricter regulations”
coinmarketcap.com: “Impact of FTX’s Collapse Will Go Beyond Its Customers”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: TikTok Ban

1. Although they’re owned by the same company, China’s version of TikTok offers a child-friendly version, with educational videos and a time limit that isn’t offered in the U.S. Do you think it’s possible China is using TikTok to influence a generation of American youth with malevolent motives?
2. Should TikTok be banned in the U.S.? Why or why not? If not, what alternative solutions do you suggest?
3. U.S. lawmakers fear TikTok has become a tool for the dissemination of Chinese propaganda. In fact, sources have claimed that the Islamic State is posting propaganda on the app. Do these facts change your opinion of the situation? Why or why not?
4. Is TikTok merely a fun video app, or something more insidious? If you were a parent, would you allow your kids to use the app? Why or why not?
5. The app contains a great deal of private information about American users and this information is stored offshore. Is TikTok a threat to national security? Is it futile to worry about Chinese government surveillance in an age where all big tech companies (and the U.S. government) are spying on us anyway?

Issue 2: Cryptocurrency

1. Some people believe that cryptocurrencies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the new financing of the future. Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. Certain lawmakers, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), say cryptocurrencies need more regulation. What are the concerns about regulation, or lack thereof, and what do you think needs to be done?
3. Warren says digital currency is not a “good way to buy and sell things and not a good investment and is an environmental disaster.” Is she correct?
4. Should cryptocurrencies have to abide by the same regulations as securities, or should new rules be devised?
5. Given the current lack of regulations on cryptocurrencies, would you feel safe investing all or part of your savings in it? Why or why not?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Student Loan Debt

STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS in the United States owe a collective nearly $1.75 trillion in federal and private student loan debt as of August 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Congress.gov: H.R.8729 “Debt Cancellation Accountability Act of 2022”
Congress.gov: S.4483 “Debt Cancellation Accountability Act of 2022”
whitehouse.gov: “President Biden Announces Student Loan Relief 4 Borrowers”
GOP House.gov: “Biden’s Student Loan Giveaway to the Wealthy”
GOP House.gov: “CBO: Biden’s Biggest Executive Actions Come with Price Tag”
Wall Street Journal: “Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan to Cancel Debt”
Associated Press: “GOP states sue Biden administration over student loan plan”

Issue 2: Puerto Rico Statehood
Congress.gov: H.R.8393 “Puerto Rico Status Act”
House.gov: “Chair Grijalva Introduces Historic Puerto Rico Status Act”
LatinoRebels.com: “Puerto Rico Status Act Stalls in House, ‘Outside Interests’”
House.gov: “Rep. García’s Statement on His Vote on the Puerto Rico Status Act”
PuertoRicoReport.com: “Supporters Rally for the Puerto Rico Status Act”
CRS: “Statehood Process + Political Status of U.S. Territories”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Student Loan Debt

1. Should any student debt be canceled? If so, who is “deserving” of cancellation, and on what timeline?
2. If all future students were provided with a pathway to a debt-free public college going forward, does that make student debt cancellation more or less reasonable?
3. Why is the question over forgiving federal student loan debt so controversial?
4. How have the opportunities in the job market for someone with a degree changed in the last 10 to 50 years?
5. Is it important to have a significant number of young people attend college, including young people that are going to require loans to afford college?

Issue 2: Puerto Rico Statehood

1. Do you support or oppose H.R.8393? If you were speaking to a person who disagreed with you, what would you say is the strongest argument in support of your position?
2. Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood? Why or why not?
3. What other policies could mitigate the problems seen by proponents of statehood? Explain your answer(s).
4. Should any or all of the other U.S. territories be granted statehood? Why or why not?
5. What other measures might be considered, if any, to resolve Puerto Ricans’ lack of representation in Congress, citizenship, and other concerns?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Methane Emissions
Regulations.gov: “EPA’s Proposed Rule on Emissions Guidelines”
Congressional Research Service: “IRA Methane Emissions Charge Brief”
Competitive Enterprise Institute: “Biden Methane Rule Would Cause Decline”
Washington Post: “Biden Unveils New Rules to Curb Methane”
The National Law Review: “EPA Proposes New Methane Regulations”
RMI.org: “Methane: A Threat to People and the Planet”

Issue 2: For the People Act
Congress.gov: H.R.1 – “For the People Act of 2021”
Conservative Action Project: “Conservatives Oppose H.R.1, Fantasy of the Left”
Brennan Center for Justice: “Congress Must Pass the ‘For the People Act’”
Roll Call: “10 Things You Might Not Know about H.R.1”
Heritage Foundation: “H.R.1 Is a Threat to American Democracy”
Fox News: “H.R.1 Imperils Free and Fair Elections, Here Are the Worst Parts”
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) OpEd: “Why I’m Against the For the People Act”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Methane Emissions

1. Where do you stand on whether the U.S. government, and specifically the Environmental Protection Agency, should be doing about global warming and climate change?
2. Why are methane emissions from transportation a problem? Do you have any suggestions for how methane emissions can be reduced?
3. What alternative sources of fuel or other means of transport are available, which would reduce emissions?
4. How does the distance from your school effect your emissions? How did your grandparents travel to school? How do you think your grandchildren will travel to school?
5. Do you think recent changes in climate and weather are more attributed to natural or human causes? Explain your reasons.

Issue 2: For the People Act
1. Do you support or oppose H.R.1? If you were speaking to a person who disagreed with you, what would you say is the strongest argument in support of your position?
2. Does H.R.1 represent federal government overreach into territory best left to the states? Why or why not?
3. Are the bill’s ethics provisions necessary? Why or why not?
4. Are H.R.1’s improvements in access to elections, through ease of registration, early voting, and more accurate voter rolls, necessary? Why or why not?
5. Do the disclosure provisions around political ads and political spending represent a threat to free speech, or a needed opening to identify who is influencing our democracy?

RESEARCH LINKS

The U.S. Supreme Court as composed October 27, 2020, to June 30, 2022. (Front row, L to R) Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Stephen G. Breyer, and Sonia Sotomayor. (Back row, L to R) Brett M. Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett.

Issue 1: Protecting Our Kids Act

Congress.gov: H.R.7910 “Protecting Our Kids Act”
Congressional Budget Office: “Estimated Budgetary Effects of Protecting Our Kids Act”
RAND Corporation: “Gun Policy in America — Effects of Minimum Age Requirements”
Pew Trusts: “Few States Seem Ready to Raise Age to Buy Semi-Automatic Rifles”
The Hill: “House Passes Sweeping Gun Package in Largely Party-Line Vote”
Fox News: “House Votes to Set Minimum Age for Buying Semi-automatic Weapons”

Issue 2: Judiciary Act
Congress.gov: S.1141 “Judiciary Act of 2021”
Sen. Roy Blunt Op-Ed: “Don’t Pack SCOTUS, Truth Behind Democrats’ Push for Reform”
Rutgers University: “What Is Court Packing?”
Reason.com: “House Democrats Revive Their Court-Packing Push”
Supremecourt.gov: “The Court as an Institution”
Pacific Legal Foundation: “Court Packing Explained”
Democracy Journal: “Let’s Think About Court Packing”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Protecting Our Kids Act
1. If passed, would the Protecting Our Kids Act would be effective at reducing gun violence and mass shootings in the U.S.? Why or why not?
2. Do you think raising the age from 18 to 21 to purchase semiautomatic weapons would reduce school shootings? Why or why not?
3. Looking at the pro/con quotes made by members of Congress on p. 3 of the newsletter, what do their statements tell you about the bill?
4. Search for #ProtectingOurKidsAct on Twitter and/or other social media sites. How do others’ perspectives help you understand the bill?
5. In Japan there are strict gun control laws and so there is very little gun crime. Should all countries follow Japan to lower gun crime?

Issue 2: Judiciary Act
1. Should packing the Supreme Court ever be considered? Why or why not?
2. Does the current method of waiting until a Justice retires or dies and allowing the current president to appoint a new justice work? Why or why not?
3. If you could wave a magic wand, what would the ideal Supreme Court look like? Consider how many justices, the nomination and approval process, term limits, and other ideas. Support your opinions and argue why this court would be the best.
4. What are the steps in the nomination process for Supreme Court Justices? What constitutional actors are involved?
5. What qualities should a Supreme Court justice have? How much does a candidate’s political ideology influence a presidential nomination today?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Energy Independence

Congress.gov: H.R.6858 “American Energy Independence from Russia Act”
Congress.gov: S.3752 “American Energy Independence from Russia Act”
Politico: “Republicans Seize on Ukraine to Attack Biden’s Climate Policies”
NBC News: “Republicans Cheer Russian Oil Ban, Jeer Biden for Rising Prices”
League of Conservation Voters: “Clean Energy Is Key to Energy Independence”
Center for American Progress: “U.S. Can’t Drill Its Way to Energy Independence”

Issue 2: CROWN Act
Congress.gov: H.R.2116 “Creating Respectful and Open World Natural Hair Act”
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund: “Natural Hair Discrimination”
NPR: “House passes CROWN Act banning discrimination on race-based hairdos”
American Bar Association: “Is Hair Discrimination Race Discrimination?”
thecrownact.com: “Official Campaign of CROWN Act Led by CROWN Coalition”
Washington Post: “House Passes Crown Act, Banning Discrimination Black Hair”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Energy Independence
1. Why would a country want to achieve energy independence? What are the benefits?
2. Which approach should be at the heart of U.S. national energy policy—increasing energy production domestically or shifting the emphasis to renewable energy resources such as wind and solar? Outline the reasons for your answer.
3. What should the United States do about climate change? Should it adopt strong policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels? Or should it encourage more research and hold off on adopting strict requirements for now? Why?
4. Will rising U.S. oil and gas production change U.S. relationships with major oil- and gas-producing countries, and if so, how?
5. Would a shift to renewable energy or electric vehicles introduce new security vulnerabilities? Why or why not?

Issue 2: CROWN Act
1. How has European imperialism and colonialism influenced global beauty standards over time? Are those standards now changing?
2. What kind of hair did you want as a child? What kind of hair do you want now? Has that changed?
3. Actress Tracie Thoms says, “It’s amazing that it is considered revolutionary to wear my hair the way it grows out of my head.” She describes natural hair as “freedom.” Do you think that not wearing make-up or not shaving is similarly “revolutionary” or “freeing?” Why or why not?
4. Does a person’s hair or hairstyle impact their personal brand, career advancement and/or job performance? Why or why not?
5. How does societal acceptance of a person’s natural hair texture affect their identity and self-esteem?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Border Wall

On 06-19-1019 construction crews continue work on the replacement border wall on the boundary between the United States and Mexico near the Calexico Port of Entry.
Photo by Mani Albrecht
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office of Public Affairs
Visual Communications Division

Congress.gov: H.R.5810 “To Authorize Transfer of Materials for Border Wall”
Dallas Morning News OpEd: “The Border Wall—A Barricade or a Safeguard?”
ThoughtCo.com: “Weighing the Pros and Cons of U.S.-Mexico Border Barrier”
Fox News: “Governor Abbott Announces Details on Texas Border Wall”
govtrackinsider.com: “Bill would give states materials to resume border wall”
ProCon.org: “Should the U.S. Build a Wall along the U.S./Mexico Border?”

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time
Congress.gov: S.623 “Sunshine Protection Act of 2021”
National Conference of State Legislatures: “DST State Legislation”
Politico: “Here Comes the Sun: Senate Agrees on Permanent Daylight Saving”
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine: “American Academy of Sleep Medicine”
Smithsonian: “What Happened the Last Time U.S. Made DST Permanent?”
BuzzFeedNews: “Everyone Was Surprised by Senate Passing Permanent DST”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Border Wall

1. Do you think the current approach to U.S. border security is effective? What ideas do you have to make it more effective?
2. Do you think all, some or no national borders around the world should have walls or fences separating countries? Why?
3. What differences do you discern between the two border crossings with Mexico and Canada?
4. Do you think that the border wall has become a political symbol for its supporters and opponents? Why or why not?
5. What might a wall represent psychologically? For instance, might it symbolize safety or preserve a way of life?

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time

1. Should the United States make Daylight Saving Time permanent year round? Why or why not?
2. Do you feel the effects of springing forward and/or falling back? What are the effects and how do they impact your day?
3. Now that you’ve read the arguments for permanent Daylight Saving Time, visit https://savestandardtime.com/ and read the arguments for permanent Standard Time. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each proposal? Which time system do you think is best for the U.S. and why?
4. Why do you think some places like Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out of Daylight Saving Time?
5. Compare and contrast the economic benefits and disadvantages of Daylight Saving Time. Is DST good or bad for the economy overall? Explain your answer.

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek

Congress.gov: H.R.4728 “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act”
The Guardian OpEd: “A 4 Day Work Week Is the Future. Here’s Why.”
The Hill: “Lawmakers lining up behind bill to bring four-day work week to America”
Forbes: “Is Thursday the New Friday? Pros and Cons of Reducing Work Hours”
The Atlantic: “What It Means That Kickstarter Is Trying a 4-Day Work Week”
govtrack.us: “H.R. 4728: Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act”

Issue 2: America COMPETES Act

Congress.gov: H.R.4521 “America COMPETES Act of 2022”
Congress.gov: S.1260 “United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021”
House.gov: “America COMPETES Act of 2022” Backgrounder
The Hill: “House Republicans Bash Democrats’ China Competition Bill”
cnbc.com: “Senate Passes Bipartisan Tech and Manufacturing Bill Aimed at China”
Fox Business: “Democrats’ China competition bill hurts American small businesses”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: 32-Hour Workweek

1. How do you think having a shorter workweek will affect workers’ productivity? Will it rise, fall or remain the same? Why?
2. How might a shorter workweek be good for the environment?
3. In Japan, Microsoft trialed a four-day workweek and saw improvements in workers’ productivity and job satisfaction. Do you think this would work in the U.S.? Why or why not?
4. Is a four-day workweek suitable for every company? Why or why not?
5. How did the COVID pandemic change American workers’ expectations about work/life balance?
6. How might spending less time working result in greater workforce focus and productivity?

Issue 2: America COMPETES Act

1. Read the summaries for both the House and Senate China competition bills (links above). Which bill do you think offers the best solution to the problem?
2. What do you think is the best solution to China’s theft of U.S. intellectual property?
3. Should the U.S. attempt to have a “less confrontational” relationship with China? Why or why not?
4. Should the U.S. view China as a threat or opportunity? Why?
5. Do you think China will surpass the U.S. as the world’s superpower? Why or why not?