Introduction of the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019. It is well known that this country faces a gun violence epidemic. In fact, in the 2018 school year alone, there were 24 school shooting incidents. This is the highest annual number of school shootings in recent history, averaging out to one school shooting incident every seven and a half school days. The pain and heartache that result from this tragic and needless loss of life sends shockwaves through our communities, but especially through the families left behind. Today, our teachers must contend with not only the awesome responsibility of preparing our children for bright and meaningful futures, but also with protecting them from the very real threat of active shooters and others wishing to harm our children and grandchildren. Too often, the teachers themselves are casualties in this epidemic, leaving the families of the slain teachers, many with small children, unprepared financially.

The Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019 directs the Secretary of Education to provide assistance to the immediate family members of K-12 teachers who are killed during their performance of duties at a public or private school. This bill provides victims' families with funeral assistance; a death benefit payment to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin; monthly living assistance for the surviving spouse; and undergraduate education assistance for each dependent child.

In time, it is my sincere hope that the need for the crucial assistance provided by this measure will not be necessary as fewer and fewer families are forced to cope with the sudden, tragic loss of a loved one at school. However, until that time, we must do all we can for our dedicated and hardworking teachers and their families, and that is exactly the spirit with which this legislation is put forward.

Madam Speaker, I urge this body to expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's solidarity, gratitude, and support for our nation's dedicated educators, who work tirelessly on behalf of our children.

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