Reopen the Schools Responsibly

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, as America continues to battle the coronavirus, many of us in Congress have worked to protect both lives and livelihoods. Now, we must focus our efforts on supporting the safe reopening of our schools.

Every child deserves to receive an in-person education, if they so choose. Schools in Pennsylvania's Ninth District, for instance, Lake Lehman Township, are preparing in a smart, innovative, and safe manner.

As the American Academy of Pediatrics has said: ``All policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.''

Congress must work with school districts to provide support for social distancing, PPEs, temperature checks, any equipment necessary for those who choose to learn remotely, and even perhaps an on-site health and safety coordinator. We must also pass legislation to create liability protection for schools to reopen without the threat of predatory lawsuits.

Let's put politics aside, follow the science, follow the recommendations of AAOP and the President's task force and open schools safely for the millions of American families who want their children safely back in the classroom this fall.

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