[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             INTRODUCTION OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS INTERNET ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the 
Safe Schools Internet Act. Later this year, our schools and libraries 
will be receiving funds from the Congressionally created Universal 
Service Fund to defray costs of Internet access. While it is undeniably 
important for our children to have access to this important tool in 
their classrooms, the ``hooking up'' of America's schools also comes 
with problems.
  As most people know, in addition to the priceless information 
available on the Internet, the Internet also contains a limitless 
supply of material not appropriate for children. When we hook our 
schools to the Internet, we are also hooking them up to this material. 
While we would never let our school libraries carry material such as 
Penthouse or depictions of violent torture, we may soon be doing so 
through the Internet.
  However, technology currently available on the market makes it 
possible to block out many offensive Internet web sites. The Safe 
Schools Internet Act would require that any school system accepting 
federal money from the Universal Service Fund to facilitate Internet 
access install Internet blocking software. Under the bill, libraries 
would be held to the same requirement for at least one computer in the 
library. The method of blocking would be left to local school and 
library officials, ensuring continued local control of these important 
institutions. This Safe Schools Internet Act will ensure that children 
in our schools and libraries are not confronted with age-inappropriate 
material, and that the federal government does not find itself 
financing offensive material in our schools.
  I hope my colleagues will join me and cosponsor this important 
legislation.

                          ____________________