On the recordJanuary 6, 2016
Yesterday the President of the United States announced another series of actions that his administration is taking to curb our Nation's gun violence epidemic, for they are important steps, and I commend the President and Vice President for their continued focus on this ongoing crisis. As the President said yesterday, Congress still needs to act. In my 15 years as a Member of the House, Congress time and again has failed to answer the cries of Americans who have lost their loved ones, particularly our children, to the scourge of gun violence. Congress has failed to respond to the pleas of Americans who have been disabled by stray bullets. Congress has failed to acknowledge the vast majority of Americans--Republicans and Democrats, gun owners and non gun owners--who believe that every gun purchased should be accompanied by a background check. With each failure, we are closer to a day when tragedies like those of San Bernardino and Sandy Hook will become what they never should be: commonplace. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to find the courage to take action. It is long past overdue. ____________________





