Bush Administration Fails to Secure U.S. Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bush Administration Fails to Secure
Our Nation's Schools

October 10, 2006 - Today, in the wake of last week's lockdowns and school shootings across the country, President Bush convened a panel of experts in an effort to examine how federal, state and local governments can work together to secure our nation's schools and communities from future threats.

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations issued the following statements regarding today's White House conference on school safety:

"It is shameful that it has taken last week's flurry of shootings and an election year for President Bush to see the urgent need to secure our nation's school children. School safety has never been a top priority for this Administration. Over the past two years, the President eliminated funding for school security grants. In addition, his Republican colleagues in Congress have followed suit, reducing preparedness grants by $160 million since 2002, said Ranking Member Thompson.

"There is nothing more sacred than our children. To protect them, our nation must continue to improve disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts to ensure an organized response in the event of a disaster. Without the proper funding these efforts are futile," Thompson added.

"Congress cannot wait for another wake-up call before it addresses school security. The first place to start is to reverse the misplaced budget priorities of this Administration that have neglected proven measures to secure our schools. Homeland security starts with hometown security, and the safety of our schools should have the full backing and support of our national leadership. Protecting our children is not a partisan issue. Their safety should be second to none," Rep. Etheridge stated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

United States House of Representatives
Committee on Homeland Security - Democratic Staff
http://hsc-democrats.house.gov

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