Washington, DC – In the wake of the devastating mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and student walkouts for safer schools Nationwide, the House of Representatives considered new legislation aimed at proactively reducing violence in public schools, without infringing on Constitutional rights. Congressman Perry supported the legislation.
“As the father of two young children in public schools, these shootings are every parent’s worst nightmare. Students must be able to learn in a safe and secure environment. While I’m unapologetically pro-2nd Amendment, we need to do more to protect our kids while they’re in school,” said Congressman Perry. “This bill is a step in the right direction.”
This bill allows the Department of Justice to shift nearly $75 million in existing grant funds to state and local governments for school violence prevention programs - nearly double the amount currently available. Specifically, it authorizes funding for:
-Evidence-based technology and equipment to improve school security, such as metal detectors;
-Development and operation of school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams;
-Improved coordination with local law enforcement; and
-Technology and equipment to improve communication between law enforcement, students and school officials.
“This is a common sense proposal that should be advanced while we examine comprehensive solutions to the larger problem,” said Congressman Perry. “There are no easy answers, but we can work together to prevent these horrors from occurring in the future,” Perry concluded.
The proposal now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
