Donald M. Payne: “I rise first to offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the recent Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy.…”

“I rise first to offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the recent Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. In addition, I add my voice to the outcry of my colleagues, constituents, and Americans around the Nation to call for action against gun violence in this country. This Connecticut tragedy was the 30th mass murder in the U.S. since the 1999 Columbine incident, but mass murders only represent a small portion of the gun violence in America. In my hometown of Newark, New Jersey, 348 shootings and 93 deaths occurred last year as a result of gun violence. Unfortunately, it is too late to save these victims, but it is not too late to prevent the next attack. With stricter gun laws and the ban on certain types of guns, specifically assault weapons, carnage clips, and armor-piercing bullets, it would undoubtedly help to save lives. Now is the time for action. ____________________”