Norma Torres: “Despite the increasing frequency with which mass shootings seem to happen in this country, we never expect it to happen…”

“Despite the increasing frequency with which mass shootings seem to happen in this country, we never expect it to happen in our community. But a week ago today, that is exactly what happened when tragedy hit home. I knew the Inland Regional Center well, represented the city of San Bernardino during my time in the State senate; and on this tragic day, five individuals who lived in cities that I represent were murdered. Far too many communities have felt the pain that the San Bernardino and Inland Empire community is facing right now. Far too many Americans have lost loved ones in similar acts of violence. Mr. Speaker, the loophole that allows suspects on terrorist watch lists to purchase a gun, to walk into a gun store and purchase a high caliber weapon, must be fixed. This is an urgent, commonsense, widely supported reform that we can make to reduce gun violence, but we haven't. We haven't been able to have a serious conversation about any of these issues. Those who want to support changes to our gun laws need to make their voices heard and say, enough is enough; check in, or check out. Before we gather for yet another moment of silence, I remind my colleagues that this House floor is for action, not inaction. Doing nothing is inexcusable. It is an insult to the lives lost on that tragic day.”