Dutch Ruppersberger: “This week, we recognize Gun Violence Survivors Week across our country. In my district alone, there have been 331…”

“This week, we recognize Gun Violence Survivors Week across our country. In my district alone, there have been 331 gun-related deaths and 716 injuries, including seven mass shootings over the last 7 years. There are two sides of the coin when it comes to ending gun violence. Implementing commonsense gun safety measures that a vast majority of Americans support must be our top priority. At the same time, we have to begin addressing the root cause of gun violence in our communities, which is a revolving door phenomenon. Victims of gun violence are caught up in the drug wars, the culture of retaliation, and disrespect. In fact, the rate of violent reinjury at most of the Nation's trauma centers is as high as 45 percent. One of the leading risk factors for violent injury is prior violent injury. While these victims are recuperating in the hospital, they are a captive audience. They are confined to bed, if only for a few days. This offers us a window of opportunity where we can offer support when they most need it. I am in the process of finalizing bipartisan, bicameral legislation with my colleague Congressman Kinzinger from Illinois, and our measure creates a new grant program to provide the victims of gun violence, who often become repeat victims of predators themselves, with the resources they need to stop this vicious cycle. This might include bus money, clothes for a job interview, or some groceries.…”