Delgado Joins Moms Demand Action for Conversation on Commonsense, Bipartisan Measures to Address Gun Violence

Statement

On Monday, Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) joined Moms Demand Action Hudson Valley for a conversation focused on legislative proposals to address gun violence and the need for Senator Mitch McConnell to take up bipartisan, House-passed measures H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 to extend background checks and close the Charleston Loophole.

"This issue matters deeply to me." Representative Delgado opened his remarks at the meeting with Moms Demand Action Hudson Valley discussing the bipartisan support for measures to address gun violence and what he hears at town halls about the need for universal background checks. "I think more, and more and more people, irrespective of party affiliation, people appreciate the urgency of this issue. [Gun violence] is just happening at a rate right now that is just not acceptable in any way, shape or form."

The Congressman's remarks also focused on the energy behind gun violence prevention organizers who are changing the conversation around gun violence. "The fact that we have legislation that made its way through the House and passed, right, gives you a sense that we are moving here and that the energy here across the country, in districts all across the country, are prepared to make change. Obviously in my estimation, universal background checks are a critical piece, but a baseline piece." Rep. Delgado's remarks focused on the need to continue to pressure Senator McConnell to take up House-passed legislation to address gun violence. "Too many lives have been lost along the way. But the work that you are doing, particularly at this moment, is so important and despite Mitch McConnell and despite what is happening in the Senate, you better believe the pressure is being felt and it is intense."

Representative Antonio Delgado is a member of the House Task Force to Prevent Gun Violence and voted to pass both two bipartisan measures that await action in the Senate, H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1112 to close the Charleston Loophole. Congressman Delgado is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 3076, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, a "red flag bill" sponsored by Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) that would empower individuals and law enforcement to ensure that those who pose a threat to themselves and others do not have access to firearms. Yesterday's meeting comes as new polling shows an overwhelming majority of Americans support commonsense measures to expand background checks and commonsense measures to address gun violence.

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