Porter Protects Children in Head Start Reauthorization
Amendment passes by voice vote

Washington, DC- Today, an amendment introduced by Congressman Jon Porter to the Head Start Reauthorization Act passed by voice vote. The Porter amendment requires Head Start grantees to obtain a state, tribal, or federal criminal record checks on prospective employees. Further, the amendment mandates that, in localities with no federal background check requirement, Head Start will create a mandate. 
                                                                                
“By demanding our Head Start facilities obtain criminal information records, we will ensure that all our schools have the most comprehensive information on those who interact with our children,” Porter said.  “It is our duty to protect children in every way possible.” 
In the 109th Congress, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Porter’s School Safety Acquiring Excellence Act, which was enacted into law.  That amendment provided all state and local education agencies access to the national criminal databases.  Today’s amendment is an extension of the enacted legislation and ensures the safety of our youngest children.