Sheila Jackson Lee: “I first want to rise and salute a very special friend of mine, Johnny Mata, on his 80th birthday. Longtime Houston…”

“I first want to rise and salute a very special friend of mine, Johnny Mata, on his 80th birthday. Longtime Houston activist and leading founder of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, Johnny, we love you because you have been a fighter for justice all of your life. I look forward to coming home and celebrating you, not only as a fighter for justice, but a great American, and certainly one who served in the United States Army. I know that Johnny would not mind me making mention of the fact that, in the 100 days that this President has served, not only has he not provided any service to the American people in terms of providing for their comfort, but today he will celebrate his 100 days by going and speaking before the National Rifle Association, where over 80 percent of those members believe in responsible gun safety, but not one word has come from the President of the United States. Yet every day, 48 children and teens are shot in murders, assaults, and suicides in this country and, as well, over $200,000 in costs for health care is part of the tragedy of gun violence. I would hope that this Presidency will join Members of Congress for responsible gun safety to save lives, and stop catering to the special interests of the National Rifle Association--not its membership, but its leadership who are taking advantage and using this as a moneymaking machine. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my constituent and longtime friend Mr.…”