Overview
Title
Requiring each full-time employee of the House of Representatives to complete active shooter training during each Congress, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants everyone who works full-time in the House of Representatives to learn how to stay safe if there's a scary situation with a bad person, like an active shooter. It also says they can learn online if they want, and other people like part-time workers and interns can join too, but using tools they already have.
Summary AI
H. RES. 1393 requires all full-time employees of the House of Representatives to undergo active shooter training once every Congress. These training sessions must be made available remotely, although staff members can choose to attend in person during the second session of the 119th Congress. While not mandatory, this training will also be accessible to other personnel such as Members of the House, part-time employees, interns, and federal detailees. The training is designed to fit the specific needs of different office locations and is to be carried out using existing resources provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
House Resolution 1393 proposes a mandate that requires all full-time employees of the U.S. House of Representatives to undergo active shooter training during each session of Congress. This training aims to better prepare employees for potential active shooter situations within their work environment. Additionally, the resolution encourages the availability of the training to Members of the House, part-time employees, interns, and others associated with the House, although it is not mandatory for these groups. The resolution emphasizes using existing resources for training delivery and intends for the training to be available online, allowing remote participation.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues arise from this resolution. One concern is whether mandating active shooter training for all roles is necessary, as different roles may have varying exposure risks. Furthermore, the bill currently does not allocate specific funds or resources for this training, leading to concerns about financial feasibility and resource strain. Another important consideration is the lack of detailed guidelines on what the active shooter training will specifically entail, potentially leading to inconsistencies in implementation. Additionally, the provision that the training is available to non-full-time employees "to the extent practicable" could create perceived inequities in who receives this potentially life-saving training.
Impact on the Public
The resolution, if effectively implemented, could help ensure that the House of Representatives' environment is safer and more prepared for any unexpected active shooter scenarios. By mandating this training, the bill aims to safeguard not only the employees but also anyone present within House premises during a crisis. This improved preparedness could enhance the overall safety perception among those working in or visiting the Congress environment.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
This bill primarily impacts full-time employees of the House, as they are mandated to complete the training. For these employees, the resolution offers the benefit of potentially life-saving skills and preparedness. However, it may also place additional responsibility on them, regardless of their roles within the House.
For part-time employees, interns, and other associated personnel, the option to participate in the training can be beneficial, broadening their crisis response abilities and potentially increasing their safety. However, the non-mandatory nature of their participation may cause inconsistency in who is ultimately prepared for such emergencies.
The mandates also lean heavily on existing House resources, particularly those managed by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police. This could strain resources and divert attention from other responsibilities. Moreover, since the resolution implies the active shooter training could be merged with other mandated training sessions, there might be synergies or efficiency gains, depending on how the training is organized and delivered. The resolution tasks the Committee on House Administration with the responsibility of setting deadlines and ensuring compliance, thus further emphasizing the need for clear statutory guidelines and sufficient resource allocation to ensure its effective implementation.
Issues
The requirement for mandatory active shooter training for all full-time employees may not consider the varying exposure risks based on different roles, which could be seen as excessive or misaligned with actual needs. This is addressed in SECTION 1. (a).
The lack of specific budget allocation or mentioned resources for the mandated training can raise concerns about financial feasibility and potential resource allocation issues. This is outlined in SECTION 1. (a) and SECTION 1. (c).
There is potential ambiguity in what constitutes 'active shooter training,' leading to inconsistencies in how it is delivered and understood. This ambiguity is present in SECTION 1. (a).
The offering of training to non-full-time employees and other associated personnel 'to the extent practicable' could lead to perceived inequities and inconsistencies in training opportunities. This issue arises in SECTION 1. (a)(2).
The reliance on existing resources from the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police might strain these agencies' resources or deter them from fulfilling their other responsibilities efficiently, as mentioned in SECTION 1. (c).
The option for remote training lacks discussion on the effectiveness and engagement compared to in-person sessions, potentially impacting the quality of the training provided. This is covered under SECTION 1. (b).
There is potential confusion due to the effective date referring to 'the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress and each succeeding Congress,' which may need historical and procedural context for clarity, addressed in SECTION 1. (f).
The language in the resolution, such as 'an individual may, at the individual’s option, receive training under the program in person,' could be more straightforward for better comprehension as highlighted in SECTION 1. (b).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Mandatory completion of active shooter training for full-time House employees Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
All full-time employees of the House of Representatives must complete active shooter training every Congress, and while it's optional for other individuals like part-time employees and interns, the training should be accessible online. The training can use existing resources, may be combined with other required training, and deadlines are set for completing it, starting from the 119th Congress onward.