On the recordJune 16, 2016
When will we have legislation to help stop the gun violence? Orlando, Charleston, San Bernardino, Newtown, Aurora, Fort Hood, Virginia Tech--and, yes, the list goes on. It seems like every few days we see yet another shooting and more scores of innocent lives cut short. I believe, like the majority of Americans, I am ready to wake up from this nightmare. I know many in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, feel the same way, too. Well, it is time for Congress to act. We don't have to look for motivation. The outpouring of love and coming together following the Charleston 9 shooting, just 365 days ago tomorrow, brought down a symbol of racism and hate that hung for more than a century. Mr. Speaker, let our actions and collective resolve in the wake of Charleston serve as an example for long-overdue action on guns in the wake of Orlando. The American people need us to be united, to come together strong. I want to thank Columbus, Ohio, in my district, for being Columbus strong against hatred, discrimination, and the violence against our LGBT community and other communities. I am Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and I am asking this House and Speaker Ryan to do the same. ____________________
