Howard Dean: “I am honored to stand as a Member of Congress for my first floor speech. I purposefully rise to speak about the issue of…”

“I am honored to stand as a Member of Congress for my first floor speech. I purposefully rise to speak about the issue of gun violence and, specifically, H.R. 8. Last year, 40,000 people in America died of gun violence, over half to suicide. Another 80,000 people were wounded, literally caught in the crossfire. This week, I was honored to stand with Gabby Giffords--a woman whose public service inspired my own--the Speaker, and Chairman Thompson to cosponsor H.R. 8. Background checks work and the public knows we must pass this legislation to save lives. As I worked with Gabby Giffords, I was reminded of the words of Robert Frost marking JFK's inauguration. He wrote: ``Courage is in the air.'' We must act on that courage. ____________________”