Yvette Clarke: “Let me first start by thanking my brother from the neighboring district in Brooklyn, New York (Mr. Jeffries), alongside…”

“Let me first start by thanking my brother from the neighboring district in Brooklyn, New York (Mr. Jeffries), alongside my sister from Ohio, Mrs. Joyce Beatty, for their leadership in our Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour, discussing gun violence and gun safety measures. Let me also commend the Honorable Robin Kelly of Illinois for her leadership in doing the work that she is doing not only with our Health Braintrust, but by being an outspoken and forceful advocate for the end to gun violence not only for her district in Chicago, Illinois, but for all communities across this Nation. Madam Speaker, gun violence in the United States has reached epic proportions in the 21st century. The death, the trauma, the devastation that we are witnessing can no longer be tolerated. Congress must act now. Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence and millions more have been maimed by the reckless and unlawful discharging of firearms. I applaud President Barack Obama for taking this historic executive action to address gun violence in our Nation. These actions will save lives and will make America a safer place. The President's actions will strengthen lifesaving background checks, improve mental health services, and expand smart gun technology.…”