Post by bot on Jul 10, 2016 19:32:38 GMT -5
Congress Must Take Action to Address Gun Violence in America
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This was a difficult week for our nation following the recent deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, as well as the shootings in Dallas, which took the lives of five police officers. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and communities. Many are justifiably angry following the tragedies of this week, but violence must not be the answer. As a nation, we must do more to rebuild trust between our communities and law enforcement, and ensure that the rule of law is carried out blind to race or background.
Two weeks ago, House Democrats held a 26-hour sit-in on the House Floor to demand a vote on meaningful, bipartisan legislation to address gun violence. Instead of working with Democrats, Speaker Ryan and House Republican leaders refuse to put a bill on the Floor. Throughout the week, House Democrats called for votes on bipartisan bills to prevent suspected terrorists from purchasing guns and to strengthen background checks. Not only have Republicans refused to allow a vote on those bills, but they haven’t even put their own NRA-endorsed bill on the Floor. Democrats are going to continue to demand a vote on common-sense measures that keep guns out of the hands of terror suspects, criminals, domestic abusers, and the mentally unstable. We won't stand down until we see action to address this epidemic of violence in our country.
Finally, the House must act to provide the resources necessary to respond to the Zika crisis before we adjourn next week. Nearly 3,000 people in the United States have contracted the virus, yet Republicans continue to refuse to fund President Obama’s request of $1.9 billion to respond to this emergency. I will continue to urge my colleagues across the aisle to work with us to pass a bipartisan bill that can be signed into law and keep Americans safe.