Democrats Stand with the LGBT & Latino Communities in the Wake of Orlando Shooting

Statement

I am horrified and deeply saddened by Sunday's attack in Orlando, Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Orlando LGBT and Latino communities. However, our thoughts and prayers alone are not enough. We must take action to prevent senseless gun violence like the tragedy that unfolded last weekend. We can start by passing the "no fly, no buy" bill. There is broad consensus that if you cannot fly in the United States, you shouldn't be able to purchase a gun. I hope Republicans will work with us to move that legislation forward.

On Monday, I unveiled House Democrats' updated Make It In America plan at The Foundery, a maker space in Port Covington, south of downtown Baltimore, Maryland. The Make It In America plan was launched in 2010 to create the best conditions for businesses to innovate and create jobs right here at home. Last year, I held a series of hearings titled "Make It In America: What's Next?" to hear from Members of Congress and outside experts on how we should update the plan for today's economy. This week, I launched the updated plan focusing on four action areas: expanding entrepreneurship & innovation, closing the skills gap, building a 21st century infrastructure, and breaking down barriers to manufacturing in the U.S. In the coming weeks, I will join my colleagues to announce specific bills that address each of the four action areas. I'm confident the updated plan will spur a new generation of entrepreneurs who can start -- and keep -- their businesses here in the U.S.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017. I was deeply disappointed that House Republicans put forward a partisan bill that sets up a funding cliff that harms our troops. In addition, House Republicans refused to allow a vote on an amendment to ban discrimination against LGBT Americans, despite Speaker Paul Ryan's past calls for an open and transparent process. While Speaker Ryan has shut down the process in the name of discrimination, Democrats will continue to work to ensure equality for all Americans.

Sincerely yours,

Steny H. Hoyer

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