DeLauro Calls On Congress To Act On Gun Violence Legislation

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today joined with her colleagues and called on Congress to pass responsible legislation to prevent future tragedies resulting from gun violence. Recent polling shows an overwhelming majority of American are united behind that goal, including the 92 percent who support universal background checks on gun purchases. DeLauro is a member of the House Democratic Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention.

"Even two months later, the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary in December remains almost overwhelming. Within minutes, a young man murdered six adults and twenty children in cold blood, devastating the small-town Connecticut community of Newtown and breaking millions of hearts across the country.

"Since that terrible day, there have been thousands more gun-related deaths in America. In fact, approximately 30,000 firearm-related deaths occur every year, in towns and cities all across our nation.

"We owe it to these victims -- and to the victims and families of Newtown -- to take action in support of sensible and responsible gun violence prevention. By overwhelming bipartisan margins, the American people want us to respond to this tragedy with meaningful legislation.

"It is the responsibility of this Congress to answer this call. We need to do more to prevent guns from falling into the hands of violent criminals, to get dangerous assault weapons off the streets, to improve our mental health system, and to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep the public safe.

"Each passing day, more needless and preventable deaths occur. We cannot afford to wait any longer. It is time for this Congress to work with the president and act to stop gun violence."

Source