Letter to the Hon. John Culberson, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and the Hon. Jose Serrano, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies - Increased Funding to Boost School Security and Support Local Law Enforcement

Letter

Dear Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Serrano,

Thank you for your work to appropriate resources to support our nation's priorities. As you begin to draft the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, we respectfully urge you to include $150 million in funding for the Secure Our Schools (SOS) grant program, one of the Community Policing Services (COPS) programs.

As Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was one of the victims at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, stated, "We as a country failed our children. This shouldn't happen. . . . And we need to come together as a country and work on what's important. And that's protecting our children in the schools."

Drills and trainings to prepare schools for horrific situations like we saw in Parkland, Newtown, and Marysville are part of everyday life for students and teachers across the country. Kids should be focused on learning instead of worrying about their personal safety in their classroom. No child should ever feel unsafe while going to school and we must give them the peace of mind they deserve. It is our duty to stand up for these kids and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

In 2002-2011, SOS grants provided funding to state, local, and tribal governments to develop school safety resources. The funds may be used for physical security measures, such as metal detectors, locks, and lighting; for security training of personnel and students; and for coordinating with local law enforcement. These competitively awarded match grants will help ensure that our schools have the resources they need to keep students safe.

Thank you again for your work on the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. We respectfully urge you to include $150 million for the SOS grant program to protect our nation's children.