[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 130 (Thursday, July 23, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H3701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REOPEN THE SCHOOLS RESPONSIBLY

  (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, as America continues to battle the 
coronavirus, many of us in Congress have worked to protect both lives 
and livelihoods. Now, we must focus our efforts on supporting the safe 
reopening of our schools.
  Every child deserves to receive an in-person education, if they so 
choose. Schools in Pennsylvania's Ninth District, for instance, Lake 
Lehman Township, are preparing in a smart, innovative, and safe manner.
  As the American Academy of Pediatrics has said: ``All policy 
considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of 
having students physically present in school.''
  Congress must work with school districts to provide support for 
social distancing, PPEs, temperature checks, any equipment necessary 
for those who choose to learn remotely, and even perhaps an on-site 
health and safety coordinator. We must also pass legislation to create 
liability protection for schools to reopen without the threat of 
predatory lawsuits.
  Let's put politics aside, follow the science, follow the 
recommendations of AAOP and the President's task force and open schools 
safely for the millions of American families who want their children 
safely back in the classroom this fall.

                          ____________________