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Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus Hosts Roundtable, Introduces Bill to Enhance School Resource Officer Capabilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the new school year begins, Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Co-Chair Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla) hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus. The caucus, founded in 2023, works to foster safer classrooms across the United States. The event coincided with the introduction of Congressman Gonzales' bill, the FORTIFY Act, which aims to expand grant funding to support School Resource Officers (SROs) with protective equipment, transportation support, and other resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus was founded in 2023 and works with educators, law enforcement personnel, school safety experts, and parents to promote safer classrooms.
  • The caucus is led by Co-Chairs Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla) and has members from both parties, including Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Suzie Lee (D-Nev.), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), and John Rutherford (R-Fla).
  • The FORTIFY Act, introduced by Congressman Gonzales, aims to expand grant funding to support School Resource Officers (SROs) with protective equipment, transportation support, and other resources.
  • Congressman Gonzales has visited a school in South Texas and met with an SRO who lacked body armor due to budget shortfalls, highlighting the need for the FORTIFY Act.
  • The bill has been informed by input from educators across South and West Texas, law enforcement, and school safety advocacy leaders.
  • Congressman Gonzales has also secured over $20 million in funding for school security, mental health services, and emergency response capabilities in Uvalde and across South and West Texas through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Statistics:

  • The Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus was founded in 2023.
  • Congressman Gonzales has secured over $20 million in funding for school security, mental health services, and emergency response capabilities in Uvalde and across South and West Texas.
  • The FORTIFY Act aims to expand grant funding to support School Resource Officers (SROs) with protective equipment, transportation support, and other resources.

Sources:

  • Congressman Tony Gonzales' office.
  • Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus.
  • National Council of School Safety Directors.
  • National Council on School Facilities.
  • National Association of School Resource Officers.
  • House Homeland Security Committee.

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