College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007

COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - February 07, 2008)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

First, I would like to thank Chairman Miller and Chairman Hinojosa and Congressman Bishop for their leadership on this bill. This reauthorization of the Higher Education Act will strengthen the American Dream by allowing millions of young people to better afford college.

I also would like to thank my colleague Congressman Mike McNulty and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy for their thoughtful work on the issue of campus safety.

Thank you, also, to Security on Campus, Inc., the leading advocacy organization for campus security.

Our country's number one priority is to protect our children from harm so that they can grow up and fulfill their God-given potential. A parent's worst fear is to send their child off to college and to have them become a victim of violent crime. Tragically, this happens far too often. The 10-year span from 1997 to 2006 registered, on average, 20 homicides every year occurring on college campuses.

Furthermore, numerous college students, the majority of them young women, have been abducted, leaving their family, friends, and community searching for years in hopes of solving their case.

Mr. Chairman, this issue has significantly affected the community that I represent.

On March 2, 1998, Suzanne Lyall, a 19-year-old sophomore at SUNY-Albany, was kidnapped and never seen again. Nearly 10 years later, her case remains unsolved.

My amendment is intended to prevent more parents from experiencing the pain that Suzanne's parents, Doug and Mary, must face every day. The amendment that I am offering would ensure that all institutions of higher education have a standing policy outlining the roles and responsibilities for campus, local, and State law enforcement agencies if a violent crime happens to occur on campus.

This amendment will minimize confusion and delays during the initial investigation of a violent felony, such as a kidnapping. The first few hours and days after a crime is committed are the most critical for solving a case, and the questions involving police jurisdiction should be settled before a crime occurs, not after. My amendment will help facilitate the prompt and sufficient investigation of serious crimes.

In addition, the amendment's provisions have already been signed into law in California, South Carolina, Tennessee, and my home State of New York.

Over 60 percent of postsecondary schools have fewer than 2,500 students. And thankfully, such horrific crimes are rare at small schools. However, many of the small schools do not have a full police force, and the school security force may not be sufficiently trained to handle such a complex investigation.

This amendment will give peace of mind to students and to parents by giving them the knowledge that the best investigative procedures will be followed to solve such terrible crimes.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would also like to add that bringing attention to the issue of campus safety has been a priority of mine since I entered Congress. Last year, I introduced, and the House passed, House Resolution 303, which called on the President to declare April 6, which is Suzanne Lyall's birthday, National Missing Persons Day. This day will allow all Americans to honor those who remain missing and to remember their families and loved ones who hope and pray every day for their safe return.

April 6 is approaching, and I join with Suzanne's parents in strongly advocating for the creation of this national day of remembrance.

The amendment that I offer today will hopefully prevent future school tragedies from happening. I urge all my colleagues to join me in honoring Suzanne by voting ``yes.''

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source