On the recordFebruary 27, 2018
The question is: When? In 2017, there were 11,600 deaths linked to gun violence. In 2017, nearly four 911 attacks. There were more than 15,000 killed by gun violence in 2016. There were 383 mass shootings. The United States ranks number one in the world in terms of firearms per capita. The problem is so epidemic that gun violence is now the third leading cause of death of our children, which includes those dear souls who died in Florida just a couple of weeks ago. We heard those children's voices. We have heard many voices. So let me explain to the American people: no one is grabbing the Second Amendment. I honor the amendments of this Nation. For your information, in order to change an amendment, you need a two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate and three-quarters of the States. The last time we changed an amendment was 1933, where we repealed the prohibition amendment. This is a cause of the heart and the mind. It is not a Second Amendment debate. It is a debate on sensible gun legislation to save lives. Ban bump stocks. Extend the waiting period. Ensure that multiple munitions are banned and automatic weapons are banned. When is there going to be, Mr. Speaker, the coming together of a bipartisan effort to save the lives of our children? Enough is enough. We need to answer the call. Our children are dying. ____________________
