GOP senator says Biden’s Dept. of Education imposing ‘dangerous delays’ on school security funds

The top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is warning the Biden administration that "confusion" about funds granted in last year’s bipartisan school safety bill could lead to "dangerous delays" in protecting campuses from mass shooting events.

Cassidy called on Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to direct his department to clarify that schools can use funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to boost their security and hold security training sessions. He also demanded a written plan of action that includes how the administration plans to "remove federal administrative barriers to the spending of dollars by districts" under the law.

He said school officials have had difficulty accessing the funds needed for "hardening schools" – which includes measures such as fortifying them with single-entry points, reinforcing windows and doors, and fencing.