OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Let's Act to Cut Down Gun Violence

Floor Speech

Date: June 24, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Guns Criminal Justice

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Mr. Speaker, last week, we witnessed an act of pure hatred and evil in Charleston, South Carolina.

This is a time to mourn the victims, to pray for their families, for a community to heal, and for Congress to take action against unchecked and widespread gun violence.

Thirty-plus people are killed every day by someone using a gun. Mass shootings are becoming almost commonplace; yet we continue to do nothing. No legislation will stop every tragedy, but passing commonsense gun laws will at least stop some. We need to pass background checks as our first line of defense against criminals and the dangerously mentally ill getting guns.

We don't know what laws could have prevented the shooting in Charleston, but we do know that background checks help keep guns from dangerous people, and that saves lives.

If the Republican leadership has a better idea to cut down on gun violence, let's see it. If not, let's bring commonsense, bipartisan reforms like my bill to expand criminal background checks up for a vote.

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