Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We all know that water is essential for life.

I am pleased to welcome all to this hearing on strengthening school safety through the prevention of bullying.

We ask that Congress require schools and districts to enact anti-bullying and harassment policies that include enumerated categories.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

We would like to thank Chairman Kildee and Chairwoman McCarthy, along with Ranking Members Castle and Platts for convening this important hearing.

But I also think there is a second role where the school can educate people to be civil people.

First of all, we would like to thank Chairman Kildee and Chairwoman McCarthy, as well as Ranking Members Castle and Platts for the opportunity to discuss a matter as important as student safety and the prevention of harassment in schools.

When I first entered politics 44 years ago, and 33 years ago in Congress, there was a higher degree of civility.

Crisis prevention and intervention has been my highest priority, along with school safety, for my entire career.

I know that most tragedies that involve young people, they should have been prevented.

We must better understand the causes of school violence and give our educators the tools they need to protect children from dangerous situations.

As a father, a grandfather, and a former teacher, I believe there is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of our schoolchildren.