On the recordJune 26, 2019
In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, I rise to share the story of a brave soldier named Ben. Ben's sister Mary is a Moms Demand Action leader in my hometown of Berkley, Michigan. After her brother was honorably discharged from military service, Mary grew concerned that Ben was at risk of self-harm. Mary and her dad begged every firearms store in the area they lived at the time not to sell a gun to her brother. She was told Ben could not be denied a gun, despite the risks he faced. Ben died by suicide shortly thereafter with a gun he had bought at one of those stores. Had Mary been able to seek an Extreme Risk Prevention Order, Ben could be alive today. I am a cosponsor of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act and the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. Madam Speaker, for Ben and so many others, Congress must act without delay. ____________________
