On the recordJuly 29, 2015
In Connecticut, we know all too well the devastation caused by gun violence. We will never stop mourning the lives of the 26 people who were ripped from us by the horrific shootings in Newtown, but just as tragic are the deaths that don't make national headlines. Mr. Speaker, we have a serious problem with gun violence in this country from which no person, no community is protected. This year alone, in the capital city of Hartford, gun violence has claimed 19 lives. Yet, today, this House is scheduled to adjourn for the next 5 weeks, refusing to bring this urgent public health matter to the House floor, refusing to address gun violence, which is hurting America. I have joined with colleagues from across the aisle to propose a bipartisan bill to expand background checks to all commercial gun sales--legislation that, if enacted, would have prevented several of the most recent mass shootings. I urge the leadership of this House to spend August thinking about the 30,000 Americans we lose each year to gun violence and to bring this urgent matter to the full House for a vote when we reconvene in September. ____________________
