Alan Lowenthal: “Gun violence permeates every aspect of our lives, from the streets of Chicago to law enforcement officers to Congress.…”

“Gun violence permeates every aspect of our lives, from the streets of Chicago to law enforcement officers to Congress. Everybody is affected by what is going on. But we can do something about it by passing two bills that we have been talking about: the no fly, no buy and universal background checks. Neither is a solution to the entire problem, but both are good steps. The reason we haven't done anything is simple: the $15 million a year gun manufacturing industry. And by preventing action here through their campaign donations and Capitol Hill lobbyists, they are controlling the discussion. When I can't act, when you can't act, this House is being controlled by the gun industry. We--all of us, on both sides of the aisle--are looking to blame each other when the real culprits are the gun manufacturers. ____________________”