Issue Position: Preventing Gun Violence

Issue Position

America's problem with gun violence has become a pressing priority; it can no longer be denied. There are no easy answers. Terri has called for the elimination of military grade weapons on our cities' streets; and a new focus on brotherhood and unity, with zero tolerance for bigotry and racism. "We grieve for the loss of lives," she says, "both civilian and police. We must join hands in solidarity and not give up. We must respect and honor our police officers while understanding the tremendous need for change in police/community relations."

Following the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981, Congress passed the Brady Act, named after James Brady who became permanently disabled from a gunshot wound during the attempted assassination. This bi-partisan approach to implement federal background checks on firearm purchases proved to have an immediate impact on the rate of gun-related incidents. Says Terri, "It's time that we take another step forward, by closing the loophole in this law that allows for private purchases to be completed without a background check."

In addition, she reminds us that our Congress has refused to hear debate on the common-sense "No Fly, No Buy" legislation that would restrict those who have been identified by our FBI as terror suspects from buying a firearm. "This is indefensible," says Terri. "Members of Congress need to put the safety of Americans before all else." When in Congress, she will be a strong voice for those victims and their families, while doing everything possible to prevent future tragedies.

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