Connecticut Delegation: House Should Not Adjourn Without Voting This Week on Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence

Statement

U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) today called on House Speaker Paul Ryan to hold a vote this week on legislation to prevent terrorists from purchasing guns and to expand background checks to all commercial gun sales. The delegation released the following statement:

"Congress's inaction on protecting Americans and preventing gun violence is shameful, heartless, and irresponsible. The American people overwhelmingly support keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists and other dangerous individuals, yet the House has not held a single vote on gun violence prevention legislation.

"The House cannot remain silent. Speaker Ryan must hold a vote this week on these commonsense reforms, and we should not adjourn for recess until he does. At the very least, a vote will force lawmakers who oppose these bipartisan bills to go on the record and explain to the American people why they won't take action to stop terrorists from buying guns."

Last week, Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a historic 15-hour filibuster on the Senate floor that resulted in the Senate finally voting on bipartisan measures to close the terror watch list loophole and expand background checks to all commercial gun sales. A majority of Senators yesterday voted to block both bills, opting to do nothing instead.

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