U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) has joined Congressmen Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Andy Barr (R-KY), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) to introduce the Ensuring Safer Schools Act of 2023.
"After the numerous, unconscionable events that have taken place in our schools across the country, it is way past time that Congress address the need for better security in schools," Van Drew said in a release. "We protect our nation's leaders and celebrities with armed security, why not our children? There is nobody more qualified to protect our students than dedicated public servants who have spent their lives defending the people of this great nation."
The bill will prioritize the hiring of retired law enforcement officers and military veterans as school resource officers, Van Drew said.
"We must protect our children and secure our schools, so students feel safe and parents breathe easier."
I am grateful for Congressman Van Drew's leadership on this crucial piece of legislation to enhance the safety of our schools," Barr said. The Ensuring Safer Schools Act would prioritize the hiring of veterans and retired police officers to protect our children and would promote engagement and trust between students and their school resource officers.
I can think of no better candidates than veterans and retired police officers to protect and secure our schools, Miller-Meeks said. Our bill will provide a pathway for these individuals to become school resource officers, which will enhance school safety and protect students. Children must feel safe in the classroom, which is exactly what our bill supports.
The bill:
