Lucas Leads Science Committee Republicans Requesting Hearing on Safely Reopening Schools

Cheyenne, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee, led Republicans on the Committee in sending a letter to Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson requesting the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hold a hearing on reopening schools safely. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study which found that, with proper prevention and mitigation efforts in place, schools can safely reopen.

“Last month, the CDC published a study affirming what many scientists have said for months and what many students and parents have longed to hear: With masking requirements, social distancing, and other important mitigation efforts, COVID-19 transmission risks within schools are low and schools can safely and responsibly reopen. Students are falling behind academically at unprecedented levels, and many that rely on key support services are becoming even more isolated and untended,” said Congressman Lucas. “The science is clear. If local schools implement safe and responsible measures, we can get our children back into the classroom and our families back to a sense of normalcy.”

The letter, signed by 16 Republican Committee Members, requested a hearing to provide scientific and factual information about how schools can safely be open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to consider the research on the detrimental impact on children of prolonged virtual learning.

“The most recent guidance from CDC released on February 12 makes clear that schools can and should be open,” the letter reads. “However, there have been conflicting messages from Biden Administration officials, political leaders, and union officials about whether schools should be following the science and prioritizing in-person learning. We believe a hearing held by our Committee could provide scientific and fact-based information to build confidence for in-person learning.” 

Read the full letter here or below:

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