Niki Tsongas: “Last week, I had the opportunity to hear from the families of victims of gun violence. Each story was unique and…”

“Last week, I had the opportunity to hear from the families of victims of gun violence. Each story was unique and heartbreaking. But for all the differences in their tragic circumstances, one common thread was echoed by every individual in the room: too many guns are too easily available. One mother said: ``Until we get these guns off the street, the cycle is going to continue.'' One way to start to get the guns off the streets is through background checks. My office has heard from thousands over the last 2 weeks, over the phone, over Facebook, over Twitter. We have heard that Congress can no longer bend to the will of the gun lobby and prevent the passage of commonsense legislation that could save lives. During that meeting last week, a mother told me: ``Changes can be made because I have a voice.'' Mr. Speaker, now is the time to heed our constituents' call and pursue real, commonsense legislation that helps get guns out of the hands of dangerous people. ____________________”