Rep. Napolitano Applauds New Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence

Statement

Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) attended the White House ceremony where President Obama announced new Executive Actions to reduce gun violence.

"We commend and support President Obama's efforts to reduce gun violence and are especially grateful for his focus on mental health as one of the key components of gun safety. His new $500 million investment will help restore some of the all-so-necessary funding to deliver mental health services to all. There is a desperate need for treatment and services for people suffering mental health crisis, and we must continue to do our utmost to reduce the stigma. We need to invest more in educating our friends, families, and neighbors on the warning signs of mental illness and encourage those in need to seek help.

"All too often mental illness is a scapegoat when gun tragedies occur, and the President's focus on reduction of gun violence to make our communities safer is what Americans have been asking for. It is a fact that those with mental illness are far more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. We are thankful to our President for his taking of executive actions, renewed focus and investments in mental health, helping reduce stigma, and for his sensitivity toward millions of Americans living with mental illness.

"We need more communication between local, state, and federal agencies, so those who should not have a gun do not have access to one. Increasing and strengthening our background check system is a first step to ensure only responsible individuals are buying and selling guns, helping to close loopholes. Nowhere in these actions is there anything that would remove guns from those who already own them. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fully fund these investments in mental health and strengthen these gun safety measures taken by the President today, actions supported by the vast majority of Americans. The time to act is now."

Napolitano also met with President Obama last evening, joining her fellow House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force members for a preview of today's announcement. She was appointed to serve as a Vice Chair of the Task Force three years ago to address mental health as a component of gun violence prevention. She is also Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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