WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the White House backed away from meaningful gun violence prevention measures and announced a proposal to arm teachers and put firearms in classrooms:
“The proposals unveiled by the White House today reflect the mistaken view that this is only a problem affecting schools and that arming teachers is an acceptable solution. Several of the proposals make it clear that President Trump is backing down and doing exactly what the NRA wants by giving the appearance of acting without taking any real action. Instead of transforming schools into fortified prisons and forcing teachers to carry dangerous firearms in the classroom, Congress and the President ought to work together to take meaningful action to address the root of gun violence.
“Students should not spend their childhoods fearing for their lives. Parents should not have to be afraid to send their children to school each day, wondering if they will make it home. Congress and the President owe it to them to enact legislation expanding background checks, banning military-style assault weapons, investing in school safety, and lifting the ban on research into gun violence.”