The American people demand action from this House of Representatives.

Mothers and fathers are demanding action to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children, from the onslaught of gun violence that is taking the lives of 13 of them each day.

This amendment would provide law enforcement officials with the same three business days to conduct background checks at gunshows that they are now given when guns are bought in stores.

We cannot shy away from our responsibility. We must rise to the occasion and pass meaningful gun safety legislation that will help end the cycle of violence.

Common sense dictates that we, as representatives of the American people, support this measure.

This amendment is not about taking rights away from law abiding citizens. It is about closing a loophole in the law that gives criminals a free pass at gunshows.

How many more children will be lost before Congress gets the message?

The American people are watching. We cannot shy away from our responsibility.

The efforts they are making will last for generations to come.

I want to commend Connie and Randy as well as Jim Simpson, Dave Weese, Bob Teel, Ben Booth and all the other volunteers involved in this worthwhile effort.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Connie Loudermilk and the Golden, Illinois Historical Society for their efforts to preserve Prairie Mills in Golden.

Prairie Mills was built by Henry R. Emminga in 1872. It operated for 60 years and served as a key component of Golden and the surrounding area.

Today, it serves perhaps an even more important role as a reminder of the way things used to be.

I strongly support H.R. 525, the Defense of the Environments Act.

Earth Day matters. It raises the awareness of Americans and is a catalyst for positive change.