Back to School

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this is a back-to-school September like we have never seen before. Over the last few weeks, students, parents, teachers, and administrators have faced great uncertainty as students return to the classroom.

In many parts of our country, schools are struggling to reopen safely because of the Trump administration's failed response to the ongoing pandemic. Our States are in dire need of more Federal funding for education, and Republicans must come to the table to help provide the support and protection our students and workers need to learn and teach safely.

Secretary DeVos and the Trump administration must embrace virtual learning opportunities, including remote learning, and encourage limited in-person options rather than threatening students' safety and school funding, especially in the areas of science and public health guidance.

It is self-evident that COVID-19 is still a serious health and safety concern for our Nation and neither children nor teachers are immune from this deadly disease.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the public to double down on precautions to prevent infection, and I urge Congress to strike a bipartisan agreement on a COVID-19 relief package that ensures all schools have the resources they need to carry out their duties and to protect the lives of teachers and students as well.

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