During her visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Vice President Harris announced two major initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence, particularly in schools.
Vice President Harris shared her observations from touring the school, describing classrooms frozen in time since the tragedy six years ago. She spoke about the physical and invisible injuries caused by such violence and stressed the need for better laws, protocols, and school safety measures. The Vice President mentioned the inadequate design of schools for handling shootings, the importance of updating safety protocols, and the need for community empowerment to prevent future violence.
The first initiative is the launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, which aims to enhance the implementation of state red flag laws. This center will provide comprehensive support, including training and technical assistance to various stakeholders, to optimize the use of red flag laws that temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.
Vice President Harris's second call to action encourages states to adopt red-flag laws and utilize federal funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to support their implementation. This includes over $238 million awarded by the Department of Justice to states, territories, and the District of Columbia for crisis intervention programs.
The administration emphasizes the importance of red flag laws, which have been shown to prevent mass shootings and suicides, by highlighting their effectiveness when properly utilized. Additionally, ongoing efforts to enhance school safety include raising awareness about safe gun storage, implementing enhanced background checks for individuals under 21 seeking to purchase firearms, and cracking down on ghost guns.
The Biden-Harris Administration also focuses on evidence-based solutions for school safety and mental health support, including substantial funding for school-based mental health services and violence prevention programs. They continue to advocate for legislative actions to further gun safety measures and mental health support for youth.
These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence and enhancing the safety of school communities across the nation.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the President signed into law:
H.R. 2882, the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,”
Which provides funding through September 30, 2024, for projects and activities of departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
In a statement, The President remarked that this agreement represented a compromise, meaning neither side got everything it wanted. However, it rejected extreme cuts from House Republicans and expanded access to child care. It invests in cancer research, funds mental health and substance use care, and advances American leadership abroad. It also provides resources to secure the border that the Administration had successfully fought to include.
He added that Congress’s work wasn’t finished, stressing the House must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental to advance our national security interests. The statement concluded by reiterating that Congress must pass the bipartisan border security agreement to ensure we have the policies and funding needed to secure the border.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement on the terrorist attack in Moscow, expressing the United States' strong condemnation of the violent act. She offered condolences to the victims and their families on behalf of the Biden Administration, highlighting the attack's impact on innocent civilians. The statement identifies ISIS as a common enemy and underscores the necessity of defeating this terrorist organization globally.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, speaking at the Human Rights Campaign 2024 Los Angeles Dinner, celebrated the LGBTQ+ community's courage and resilience, referencing the inspiring legacy of gay rights activist and author David Mixner, who died earlier this month.
Recounting her personal journey, including her marriage to Joe Biden and their family's story of loss and love, she emphasized the transformative power of love and commitment. Amidst growing challenges, including legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, she warned against the erosion of democracy and the importance of defending freedoms. Highlighting progress under President Biden's administration, such as marriage equality and military inclusivity, Dr. Biden underscored the ongoing struggle against extremism. She reaffirmed the Biden administration's support for the LGBTQ+ community, urging continued activism to safeguard rights and dignity for all.
Vice President Harris greets parents and families while visiting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida
