.png)
In the wake of the horrific elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, many on the Left have predictably called for increased gun control while others have wondered why we don't have more security in schools.
At least one Republican offered legislation in December last year that would have put an additional 100,000 law enforcement officers in our schools.
It went nowhere.
Republican Congressman Troy Nehls tweeted, "Our government needs to start investing in the safety of Americans. That is why I introduced the Public Safety Enhancement Act to add 100,000 more law enforcement officers to our communities including officers that will patrol our schools."
He added, "Over 70 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle already support this legislation, but every member should."
Yes, every member should support this. There is no guarantee that adding additional law enforcement officers in schools will prevent mass shootings, but it could and it's a step in the right direction.
Being pro-active before these tragedies happen will be more effective in preventing them than everyone merely getting their partisan emotions out in the immediate aftermath of such a shocking event.
But there's another reason this bill went nowhere.
It's called Congress.
Nehls introduced this bill, the "Public Safety Enhancement Act," on December 2, 2021. It was then referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on the same day.
That's as far as its got. That might be as far as it ever gets.
Instead of going through committee, we should allow members of Congress to bring bills to the floor, where they can have a debate and vote. After all, elected representatives were elected to represent, not be beholden to smaller committees and offices where every proposal is bottlenecked.
Nehls' proposal is a productive one that could potentially save lives. But if it will never see the light of day, what's the point?
If we can't even introduce bills like this in a way that gets traction, what's the point of Congress?