Richard Hudson: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I also thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership and…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I also thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership and for working with me on this important amendment. As we experienced in April at my alma mater, UNC Charlotte, no community is immune from gun violence. The despicable violence and hatred we saw in our community have no place in our schools and our society. When I think back to my days as a student at Myers Park High School, I remember studying humanities in Dave Layton's class, having lunch with my friends, and looking forward to Friday night football games. I don't remember feeling scared or anxious, and I don't remember worrying about my safety. I want my son and all of America's children to have that same experience. If there is anyplace our children should feel safe, it is in our schools. That is why I, and so many of us here in this Congress, have been working for years to address this issue and tackle the root causes of violence. I led efforts to pass the STOP School Violence Act last year. Under Republican leadership, Congress passed many bipartisan measures to prevent mass violence, including legislation to strengthen the background check system, improve mental healthcare, and give schools the tools they need to protect our students. We have made some progress, but our work is not nearly done. What can we do to better identify and intervene with young people in emotional crises before they reach a breaking point?…”