Five Debate Topic Choices Announced for 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced the five resolutions advancing to the final ballot for the 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic, following deliberations at the annual NFHS Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting held July 31-August 3 in Austin Texas. 
Each year, the NFHS brings together educators, coaches and state association representatives to evaluate, discuss and refine a list of proposed debate topics with the potential for national implementation. This year’s meeting focused on issues at the heart of domestic policy concerns, with the following five topics emerging as finalists: 

• Carbon Pricing 
  Resolved: The United States federal government should adopt a domestic climate policy including a carbon pricing instrument. 
  In the face of escalating climate risks, this topic invites students to evaluate economic mechanisms for reducing emissions, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems. The resolution provides fertile ground for debate on environmental, economic and political fronts. 
• Corporate Control 
  Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially expand the scope of antitrust liability. 
  Addressing rising concerns over corporate consolidation, this resolution brings into question the future of market competition, innovation, and the role of government in regulating monopolistic behavior, especially in the tech sector. 
• Health Insurance 
  Resolved: The United States federal government should establish national health insurance in the United States. 
  This topic encourages students to examine the challenges of access, affordability and structure in the American health-care system. With the last debate topic centered on health insurance occurring more than 30 years ago, this resolution brings a timely, real-world focus to a complex and politically charged issue. 
• Nuclear Weapons 
  Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce the size and/or restrict the roles of its nuclear weapons arsenal. 
  As global nuclear tensions re-emerge in the public consciousness, this topic offers a focused lens through which to evaluate U.S. deterrence policy, arms control and international security commitments. 
• Energy 
  Resolved: The United States federal government should establish a domestic renewable energy policy, including a market-based instrument. 
  With energy policy central to national and international climate goals, this resolution allows students to explore the tradeoffs and strategies involved in transitioning to clean energy. From taxes and subsidies to direct investment, the policy levers are wide-ranging. 

“These five topics represent some of the most critical conversations happening in public policy today,” said Dr. James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports. “We’re excited that high school students across the country will engage with such pressing and nuanced issues, honing their research, advocacy and critical-thinking skills in the process.” 

All state associations will vote on the final topic ballot later this fall. The selected resolution will be announced in early 2026 and will be used as the National Policy Debate Topic for the 2026–27 school year. 

For more information on the Policy Debate Topic Selection Process, visit: https://www.nfhs.org/