On the recordMarch 10, 2021
Mr. Speaker, in 2016, after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, I, with my colleagues, sat in protest on this very floor with our friend, the late Congressman John Lewis. On that day, Congressman Lewis told us: ``We have turned deaf ears to the blood of the innocent and the concern of our Nation. We are blind to a crisis.'' Mr. Speaker, nearly 5 years later, we have endured thousands of mass shootings. We have mourned the loss of 100 people every single day to suicide and homicide with guns. Today's vote will improve the safety of our schools, our communities, and our streets. It is a vote for kids, parents, veterans, and our neighbors. I stand here today thinking of the many survivors and families who have been waiting for this moment, and I think of my friend, John, who told us to always speak out for the voiceless and act boldly for justice. Today, with this bill, we will do just that. {time} 1500
