Reed: Bipartisan Gun Safety Framework is an Overdue Step Forward, But More Action Needed
Press Release
Today, after U.S. Senators from both parties announced a limited gun-safety framework aimed at curbing gun violence, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the co-author of a key "red flag' provision similar to the one included in the bill, issued the following statement:
"This agreement is the result of bipartisan effort and represents progress. It's a lot more than "thoughts and prayers,' but clearly more comprehensive action is required to really prevent gun violence.
"As the co-author of strong, bipartisan "red flag' language, I am encouraged that there is consensus on the need to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing firearms. This "red flag' measure is about saving lives and that needs to be reflected as this agreement gets translated into bill text.
"State "red flag' laws have proven effective in keeping guns away from individuals who have demonstrated clear warning signs of danger to themselves and others and we should be encouraging every state to adopt a red flag system, but not every mass shooting would trigger a "red flag' law.
"The agreement in principle also includes new mental health investments that I have long pushed for and should be impactful if there is bipartisan consensus to actually fund them at an appropriate level.
"We need more Republicans to step up so we can do more to keep weapons of war off our streets.
"I hope this agreement can be turned into action and that leaders from both parties will continue working to enact evidence-based, multifaceted solutions to prevent gun violence."
Sixty votes are required in the U.S. Senate to overcome procedural roadblocks. The ten Republican U.S. Senators who signed on to the framework include: John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Pat Toomey (R-PA).
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