Donald M. Payne: “``Mommy, there are gunshots at my school.'' Mr. Speaker, no parent should ever hear those words, but that is the call a…”

“``Mommy, there are gunshots at my school.'' Mr. Speaker, no parent should ever hear those words, but that is the call a parent got yesterday when two students entered STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado and opened fire. Within minutes, first responders subdued the shooters, and I am thankful for that, but quick is not fast enough. One teenager died, and eight people were wounded. As a parent and a Congressman, my heart aches for the families and loved ones of the child who died and those who were injured. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's shooting is one of 41 incidents of gunfire on school grounds this year alone. Eight people have died and 20 have been injured. We have lost far too many children to gun violence in our schools and in our streets. I am proud of the progress the House has made to reduce gun violence, but the Senate GOP's inaction is outrageous. They need to do what is right: dump the NRA and pass some of this legislation we have sent to them to reduce gun violence. Enough is enough. ____________________”