Lois Capps: “This time last year, I attended the State of the Union Address with my guest, Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher…”

“This time last year, I attended the State of the Union Address with my guest, Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher was gunned down during a tragic Isla Vista shooting that rocked our local community on the Central Coast of California. Together, we committed that ``not one more'' life should be lost, ``not one more'' family affected, ``not one more'' community torn apart by gun violence. On Tuesday, Mr. Martinez stood with the President as he announced executive actions to curb gun violence. These actions are an important step forward, but they are also a recognition that Congress has shirked its responsibility to take action to protect all Americans from this epidemic. If we are ever going to fulfill our pledge ``not one more,'' we must take bold action. I speak today to urge my colleagues to join us. It is far past time to act with urgency, put partisanship aside, do what is necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe. We may never be able to guarantee the elimination of gun violence entirely, but we can guarantee that, if we do nothing, nothing will change. ____________________”