Reps. Katko and Cuellar Propose Bipartisan Commission Tasked with Assessing Mass Shootings

Statement

In the wake of the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida last month, U.S. Reps. John Katko (R, NY-24) and Henry Cuellar (D, TX-28) today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation, the Securing Our Children Act of 2018. This measure would create a commission tasked with developing recommendations for policymakers on how to properly address issues related to the safety and security of our nation's children.

"As a father, I was heartbroken by the senseless shooting that occurred last month in Parkland, Florida. I recognize that Congress must take action. However, as is too often the case in Washington, this debate has created a bitter partisan battle instead of sparking a productive debate," said Rep. John Katko. "Despite this divide, I am confident there are areas in which we can find consensus -- but doing so will require having conversations that make both sides of the aisle uncomfortable. Gun violence has decreased dramatically nationwide, yet, the number of mass shootings continues to rise at an alarming rate. The bipartisan legislation I have introduced with Rep. Cuellar would bring together individuals and groups from across the political spectrum to examine this challenge, and, I'm hopeful will yield productive results."

"We have the utmost responsibility to keep our communities, and the children within them, safe and protected," said Congressman Cuellar. "Unfortunately, recent shootings have revealed that additional safety protocols are needed in order prevent tragedies from occurring in the future. That is why Representative Katko and I have introduced this important piece of legislation, which will establish a bipartisan Commission to review procedures on school campuses, evaluate current State and Federal firearm regulations, and enforce behavioral health support resources for students. It will also examine loopholes in the current National Instant Criminal Background Check System. I am confident that this Commission will improve our current background system and create a safer environment for our children. I look forward to working together with Representative Katko and other members of Congress in a bipartisan manner on these important issues."

Specifically, the Commission will examine:

The correlation or non-correlation between mental illness and random acts of violence;
Accessibility of firearms to those who have exhibited violent behavior;
The current state of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS);
Safety protocols and procedures on school campuses;
Current State and Federal firearm regulations; and
The behavioral health support resources available to students in schools and their communities.
Under Katko and Cuellar's legislation, members of the bipartisan Commission will be appointed by the President, as well as Republican and Democrat leaders of the House and Senate. The Commission will submit a written report of all findings to the President and Congress within one year.

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