Donald M. Payne: “The NRA--the NRA--the NRA stands for ``No Republican Action.'' It has been a month since 17 children and their teachers…”

“The NRA--the NRA--the NRA stands for ``No Republican Action.'' It has been a month since 17 children and their teachers were gunned down while at school in Parkland, Florida. It has been more than 5 years since 26 children and their teachers were slaughtered in Sandy Hook. In both of these instances, the same weapon was used: an AR-15 semiautomatic assault rifle. And Congress still has taken no action to end gun violence. Mr. Speaker, there have been more than three dozen moments of silence related to gun violence since the Sandy Hook massacre. There have been zero moments of action. As those of us who are married or have children know, the silent treatment doesn't work at home. Well, it surely isn't working in Congress. There are dozens of reasonable gun safety bills pending in this esteemed legislature, but the majority party is giving the American people the silent treatment. NRA: No Republican action. Meanwhile, between the moments of silence, around 7,000 children have been killed by guns since 2012. NRA: No Republican action. Let us take action on Mr. Cicilline's assault weapon ban to end the flood of new semiautomatic assault weapons onto the streets. Let us take action on Mr. Thompson's bill to strengthen the background checks. What is the problem with making sure that we check each person's background? Does the NRA say that that is wrong, too? There is no Republican action.…”