WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 17, 2023, on the fifth anniversary of the fatal Paramus school bus crash, which took the life of 10-year-old Miranda Vargas and teacher Jennifer Marie Williamson, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“Today marks the fifth anniversary of the tragic Paramus school bus crash, which took two lives, including 10-year-old North Jersey fifth grader Miranda Vargas. In Miranda’s memory, I’m continuing the critical fight to turn tragedy into hope, and to turn hope into safety for children and families across New Jersey and our nation.”

I’m working across the aisle to pass Miranda’s Law and the Secure Every Child Under the Right Equipment Standards (SECURES) Act — bipartisan seat belt and bus safety legislation that will help ensure every child in America will be as safe as possible aboard a school bus. Additionally, last month, I called on the federal government to mandate three-point lap-and-shoulder seatbelts on school buses nationwide. 

This is not a Democrat or Republican issue — it’s about saving the lives of our nation’s children and there’s nothing more important than that.” 

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