WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2018) – Today, as students from around the country exercise their First Amendment rights and call for action, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement on what she is doing to combat school violence and keep guns out of the hands of criminals, those with mental illness, and others who shouldn’t have access.

“Last month, following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, I heard from students and brought together local school superintendents, law enforcement, and other school officials to hear their thoughts on what was needed to keep our kids safe at school. The number one thing I heard from them was the need for more resources—resources and funding for mental health counselors, school resource officers, and school security improvements. That’s why as part of the government spending bill that was signed into law yesterday, I fought to get the STOP School Violence Act included to provide resources to schools and law enforcement, and the Fix NICS Act, legislation to fix the federal background check system so criminals, those with mental illness, or others who shouldn’t have guns don’t gain access. I am committed to continue working to stop school violence and keep everyone in our communities safe and secure.”

On Thursday, the Congresswoman will hold another open forum to hear from youth in Eastern Washington on how to keep schools safe. Details are as follows: 

Thursday, March 29, 2018
School Safety Youth Forum with Chase Youth Commission
When: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Ferris High School, Common Area, 3020 E 37th Ave, Spokane, WA

NOTE: Last week, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke at a press conference following the initial House passage of the STOP School Violence Act. You can watch her remarks here:

This legislation, of which the Congresswoman is a cosponsor, would prioritize funding in four specific areas to address concerns of students, teachers, school officials, and law enforcement:

• It will provide grant funding for evidence-based training to prevent student violence against others and self, including training for local law enforcement, school personnel, and students

• It will fund evidence-based technology and equipment to improve school security and prevent violent attacks

• It will provide funding for the development and operation of school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams

• And it will provide funding for continued coordination with local law enforcement

The Fix NICS Act will ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and report criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

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