Rep. Payne, Jr. Introduces Bill to Improve Child Protection During Terrorist Attacks

Statement

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced a bill to create a federal office to plan for the safety of schoolchildren during a terrorist attack.

The bill, the School and Daycare Protection Act (H.R. 6387), would establish a School Security Coordinating Council in the Department of Homeland Security to enhance the security of schools and daycare centers to protect children against acts of terrorism. The council would include members of the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA who are tasked with emergency management during such a crisis. They would work to create an emergency plan or plans that would consider the special safety needs of schoolchildren when emergencies happen.

"Too often, the needs of children are not considered before, during and after a terrorist attack," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. "But children are the most vulnerable Americans when these incidents happen. In my conversations with emergency officials and child advocates, they were clear that America needs a formal, national office with expertise in the care of children to respond quickly during a terrorist incident. I introduced this bill to create that office and provide states with the leadership necessary to protect children when these incidents occur."

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