Lankford: Let's Tackle the Real Issues behind Gun Violence

Statement

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement after President Obama and Vice President Biden's press briefing today on the Administration's new plans to prevent future gun violence.

"We all remain deeply saddened by the tragedies and loss of life from the too-frequent incidents of violence in the United States," said Chairman Lankford.

"Since our founding, Americans have owned and kept guns in their homes. The recent rise in mass shootings is not a product of gun ownership but a cultural shift that has occurred in our nation, requiring serious evaluation. Any proposals to address this shift must work to solve the problem, not just force Congress to "do something.'

"On behalf of thousands of parents of students in central Oklahoma, I applaud the President's emphasis on school safety. I support efforts to reduce bullying and violence in our schools through creative local solutions, and I encourage responsible adults to get involved in the health and safety of our nation's children. The President's efforts to begin to implement some of House Oversight's recommendations to prevent gun trafficking in America will bolster local community safety initiatives for our children and families.

"State governments are best equipped to deal with local gun safety issues," continued Lankford. "The State of New York's recent choice to enact new gun controls on its citizens to meet a unique regional opinion does not force citizens of other states to live under a federal one-size-fits-all model.

"As a staunch Second Amendment advocate, I remain committed to the principle that any federal proposals must be constitutionally consistent and work to solve the societal problems we face. Since the President selected the Vice President, the de facto leader of the Senate, to lead his task force, it is my assumption that the Senate will immediately take up the President's proposals.

"I will reserve judgment on any proposed legislation until I am able to review the Senate-passed versions of the President's proposals," concluded Chairman Lankford.

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