Courtney statement on Obama proposals to reduce gun violence, bolster school security

Statement

Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after President Obama unveiled common-sense proposals to strengthen gun laws and bolster school security:

"President Obama acted on the promise he made 30 days ago at Newtown High School to make our kids safer. His orders will plug holes in the background check system and help local school districts have police security. The common-sense changes to the background check program will stop guns from getting into the hands of criminals and the mentally disturbed, while preserving Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

"From the beginning, this necessary discussion has been marred by national NRA leadership's attempts to divide the American people and prevent progress that even an overwhelming majority of gun owners and the NRA's law-abiding membership believes is necessary. These reasonable proposals have been suggested to me in conversations with responsible gun owners in Connecticut since the Newtown tragedy.

"President Obama set the ball in motion today. Now it is up to Congress to build on that solid start. We can do this."

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