Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2083, the Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act.

A report released by the Government Accountability Office in December 2010 examined 15 cases where individuals with histories of sexual misconduct were hired or retained as teachers, support staff, volunteers, and contractors. In 11 of these 15 cases, those individuals had previously targeted children.

Despite the fact that States have varying policies intended to protect children from sexual predators in schools, the GAO determined the policies were largely inconsistent and insufficient. According to the report, States don't consistently perform preemployment background checks, and when they do conduct these checks, they are not always fingerprinted or connected to the national criminal database.

There is widespread agreement on both sides of this aisle that more must be done to protect students. We have worked with our colleagues to advance legislation that will ensure that every school employee--from the cafeteria workers, Mr. Speaker, to the administrators, to the janitors, to the teachers, principals, and librarians--that everyone is subject to a complete background check that includes the FBI fingerprint identification system and the National Sex Offender Registry.

Today, we have an opportunity to finish the fight by sending this bill, the Protecting Students From Sexual and Violent Predators Act, to the Senate.

H.R. 2083 will require States that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to have policies and practices in place that ensure each school employee is subject to a complete national criminal background check. Mr. Speaker, a similar provision was offered by two of my colleagues and good friends, both from Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Meehan. That provision was included in the House-passed Student Success Act from last month.

The Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act is commonsense legislation that will help ensure students in schools across the country are safe from sexual criminals. So all that being said, Mr. Speaker, I simply urge at this time my colleagues to support H.R. 2083.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Today's debate has only underscored again the importance of moving forward with this sensible and responsible legislation. Not only will the Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act ensure all school employees undergo a complete background check; it will also help States implement policies and practices that prohibit the hiring of anyone who refuses to consent to a background check, makes a false statement in connection with the check, or has been convicted of a violent or sexual crime against a child.
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There is absolutely no reason we shouldn't all stand united in support of this critical legislation. So once again, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2083.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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