The Washington Union Society ยท The George Washington University
The Sandra Day OโConnor Institute
The Washington Union Society Presents
The Sandra Day OโConnorโWashington Union Debate Series
At The George Washington University
Presenting Sponsor
Three debates on the issues shaping our nation and a closing panel.
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00 AM โ 4:00 PM
Check-in from 9:30 AM ยท Auditorium doors open 10:00 AM
Jack Morton Auditorium
Foggy Bottom Campus
The George Washington University
Chance to Win
Attendees have the chance to enter giveaway for:
Mac Neo and AirPods 2
Admission is free
Register Here
Program Schedule
9:30 AM โ 10:00 AM
Check-in
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
Doors Open and Introductions
10:25 AM โ 11:45 AM | Debate 1
This House Believes Free Trade Is No Longer in Americaโs Best Interest.
11:45 AM โ 12:30 PM
Lunch break
12:30 PM โ 1:50 PM | Debate 2
This House Believes the Risks of Artificial Intelligence Outweigh Its Benefits.
1:50 PM โ 2:00 PM
Stage break
2:00 PM โ 3:20 PM | Debate 3
This House Believes American Foreign Policy Serves Everyday Americans.
3:20 PM โ 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM โ 3:45 PM | Closing Panel
Join our featured speakers for a closing panel addressing key takeaways from the day.
Note: All debates will be recorded.
Featured Speakers
This House Believes Free Trade Is No Longer in Americaโs Best Interest.
For the Motion
Mr. Charles BenoitTrade Counsel at the Coalition for a Prosperous America.
Mr. Roy HousemanLegislative Director at the United Steelworkers.
Against the Motion
Mr. Bryan RileyDirector of the Free Trade Initiative at the National Taxpayers Union.
Mr. Eric BoehmReporter at Reason host of the podcast Why We Can't Have Nice Things.
This House Believes the Risks of Artificial Intelligence Outweigh Its Benefits.
For the Motion
Mr. Ryan GrimCo-founder of Drop Site News and co-host of Breaking Points.
Mr. J.B. BranchDirector of Federal AI Governance and Technology Policy at Public Citizen.
Against the Motion
Dr. Robert AtkinsonSenior Fellow and former President of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.
Mr. Alfredo RamirezCo-Founder and COO at Prosal, and Founder of ALRAS Digital.
This House Believes American Foreign Policy Serves Everyday Americans.
For the Motion
Captain Brent SadlerSenior Research Fellow in the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation.
Hon. Nazak Nikakhtarformer Under Secretary for Industry & Security at the Department of Commerce, Chair of National Security Practice and Partner at Wiley Rein LLP.
Against the Motion
Mr. George BeebeDirector of the Grand Strategy Program at the Quincy Institute.
Dr. Christopher PrebleSenior Fellow and Director at the Stimson Center.
Presented By
The Washington Union Society ยท The George Washington University
Follow us @washingtonunion
Breakfast and Lunch Included