Political Quotes

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus and a proud co-sponsor of the legislation, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2083, the ``Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act.'' I support this legislation because it is a focused and targeted measure which ensures student safety in public schools against violent adults by implementing full background checks. A deficiency in background checks for screening prospective employees poses a threat to the safety of children in schools. Inconsistent state laws and regulations that do not require comprehensive background checks for all adults who have contact with children in schools has led to some districts unknowingly hiring offenders. This is unacceptable. As a nation, we owe it to our kids and to ourselves to prevent our children from being exposed to an unsafe learning environment. This legislation directly affects the communities I represent as 21% of all paroled sex offenders in Texas reside in Harris County. Failure to screen those we permit to interact with our children in schools allows violent or sexual predators the opportunity to abuse our children. We have a responsibility to protect children and ensure them a safe, healthy learning environment. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2083 seeks to reduce the inconsistencies in state laws and regulations by requiring comprehensive background checks for all adults who have contact with children in schools.…”