Political Quotes

“I rise to join the leader. I rise to join Congresswoman Esty and Congressman Thompson in recognizing this sad anniversary. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that we mark the 6-month anniversary tomorrow of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. On that day, as has been repeated and must be remembered, Americans were united in shock and grief at the senseless murder by a crazed gunman of 26 innocent people--of 20 innocent first graders and six courageous school staff members--who tried to protect them and helped save the lives of others. Since that day, approximately 4,500--the leader mentioned 5,000, but it's a figure in excess of 4,500--Americans have died as a result of gun violence, according to the Newtown Action Alliance. Mr. Speaker, this is not just a tragedy; it is an epidemic, one that Congress has a moral responsibility to address. When nine out of 10 Americans support stricter background checks to keep dangerous guns out of the hands of criminals and those with mental illness, there is no reason why Congress shouldn't be able to take swift and decisive action to enact tougher protections. I was deeply disappointed, Mr. Speaker, that the Senate failed to move forward with legislation to protect Americans from gun violence by enacting effective background checks that safeguard the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners and safeguard Americans.…”