Sheila Jackson Lee: “We need humanity and courage. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7910, the ``Protecting Our Kids Act.'' Our…”

“We need humanity and courage. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7910, the ``Protecting Our Kids Act.'' Our country is experiencing a crisis of gun violence. It is critical that Congress act now to protect our children and our communities by supporting H.R. 7910. This multifaceted legislation is a combination of humanity, courage, decency, and action. I traveled to Uvalde and listened to the grieving parents and families of children and teachers slaughtered at Robb Elementary. We can no longer standby idly as our children suffer such life-changing trauma. As I stand here today, I am reminded of the immortal words of the conscience of Congress, Representative John Lewis, following the 2016 Pulse Nightclub massacre. He said: ``This is the fight. It is not an opinion. We must remove the blinders, the time for silence and patience is long gone.'' He asked--``Where is the heart of this body? Where is our soul? Where is our moral leadership? Where is our courage?'' Far too many have died by gunfire since Representative Lewis asked, ``Are we blind?'' I ask this body today: Where is our courage? Are we still blind to this horror? What will it take for us to act? As a Texan, I understand how deeply guns are embedded in our culture. Though, I equally understand how our children are impacted by the presence of guns in our communities.…”