Addressing Gun Violence

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the epidemic of gun violence our country is experiencing.

On average each year gun violence in America kills some 43,000 people and injures around 76,000 more.

Over and over, our communities are left reeling from senseless tragedy, stuck in a devastating cycle of violence. We can no longer allow this level of pain to be our normal. Change must happen and happen now.

I am proud to have signed the discharge petitions to bring essential gun violence prevention legislation to the House floor, including the Assault Weapons Ban, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and the Enhanced Background Checks Act.

These are rational and commonsense bills. They are not about taking away rights. They are about protecting our children, families, and communities. They are about taking the fear out of the every day.

Going to school, the grocery store, or even making a wrong turn should not be a death sentence. Our communities deserve better, and I vow to continue to fight for long overdue action to address gun violence in our beloved country.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source