[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 9, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                STUDENTS MUST GET BACK TO THE CLASSROOM

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as the father of three school-age boys, the 
health and well-being of children and school kids across America is one 
of my top priorities.
  As we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic, I have heard 
repeatedly from parents across the 18th District of Illinois about 
getting our kids back in the classroom and back on the athletic field.
  Throughout this pandemic, we have heard from experts and now 
President Joe Biden about the importance of trusting the science. When 
it comes to schools, the science is clear: Students and teachers can go 
back to in-person learning safely. The CDC is also clear on this. Risk 
of transmission of COVID-19 in the classroom is extremely low.
  Getting back in the classroom won't just help our kids achieve their 
academic goals, it will also help with their mental and physical 
health, areas that many students have struggled with during this 
pandemic.
  Hospitals across the country have seen increases in child suicide 
attempts and mental health admissions. Nothing is zero risk, but the 
consequences of keeping our children out of the classroom far outweigh 
the risk.
  Our kids are suffering mentally and academically. The science is 
clear. Let's put our children first and get students back in the 
classroom as soon as possible.

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