Louise Slaughter: “Mr. Speaker, even as the Committee on Rules was considering the rule to accompany H.R. 800, the Education Flexibility…”

“Mr. Speaker, even as the Committee on Rules was considering the rule to accompany H.R. 800, the Education Flexibility Partnership Act, an unspeakable tragedy was unfolding in Littleton, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I am a parent, and my grandson is visiting me here this week. We know what is truly precious in our lives, and we are literally heartsick over what has happened to the people of Littleton. Our prayers are said for them, and our hearts are heavy for them, and the Nation mourns their terrible loss and ours. Mr. Speaker, we have children and family members in our schools across the country, and parents are afraid to send their children to school. But we are also members of our communities in which we live and who send us here. Here on this floor, we are elected officials with the responsibility to do what we can to guard against future tragedies. As we continue to discuss how to improve our schools, we have got to redouble our efforts to keep our children from slipping through the cracks. I have offered legislation to provide students, educators, and communities constructive activities that they can be involved in, not just during but after-school activities to steer our children away from guns and drugs and violence. I implore this House to pass it.”