FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: ‘Democrats Will Continue to Fight to Fund Vital School Safety Initiatives’

Republicans Gut COPS in Schools

Washington, D.C.– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the school safety meeting convened  todayby the Bush Administration.

Also attached are a fact sheet and a chart on Republican cuts to school safety initiatives from Congressman David Obey, senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and a press release and chart on the elimination of “COPS  in Schools” funding from Congressman Anthony Weiner.

“Today, our thoughts and prayers go to the victims of school violence and their families.  The senseless and horrific violence that has stalked our schools across the country must end, and our schools must be made safe for all children.  

“Unfortunately, President Bush has actually proposed in his last two budgets eliminating a school safety program, the Safe and Drug Free Grants, and the Republican Congress reduced funding of that program by 34 percent.   The President and the Republican Congress also ended the COPS in School program, despite the glaring need for it.      

“Democrats will continue to fight to fund vital school safety initiatives, not reduce or eliminate them.  The safety of our children demands no less.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi