Washington, DC –(ENEWSPF)—December 7, 2017
By: James Lewis
Congresswoman Robin Kelly, vice chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released this statement on the passage of so-called “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38):”
“I’m deeply disappointed that my colleagues would support a bill that will dramatically increase the number of Americans taken from their families and communities by gun violence.
My disappointment is massively overwhelmed by my sadness. I know this bill will mean more funerals, more empty seats at the dinner table and more mothers burying their children. I’m sad for every family who has had a loved one taken and I’m heartbroken for families who will have loved ones taken because of this bill.
As disappointed and sad as I am, I’m not surprised. This vote continues the Republican majority’s blind obedience to the NRA’s ‘guns everywhere, rules nowhere’ agenda that has blocked every common sense gun safety legislation proposed in Congress.
This bill isn’t just a threat to public safety, it will also put law enforcement officers’ lives at greater risk.
I come from a law enforcement family. My uncles, cousins and nephews wear the blue everyday so I understand the worry that comes with having a loved one serving and protecting their community.
The fears of that late night call or knock on the door from the police chaplain is real and happens far too often to too many families. If H.R. 38 becomes law, more families will get those dreaded calls and visits.
At least eight major law enforcement organizations have announced their opposition to this legislation saying the bill will ‘create unacceptable risks to our nation’s 900,000 police officers and the public at large.’
I’m committed to fighting this bill and preventing its final passage. However, fighting the passage of bad bills isn’t enough. It’s time for Congress to get out from under the NRA’s checkbook and act to save lives.”
Background
Last week, Congresswoman Kelly took to the House floor to oppose H.R. 38, as it was considered by the House Judiciary Committee. The Congresswoman highlighted law enforcements strong opposition to the bill and read into the Congressional Record the names of law enforcement officers killed by gun violence.
This speech continues Congresswoman Kelly’s pledge to read the names of 5,950 gun violence victims into the Congressional Record, one names for every dollar Speaker Paul Ryan took from the NRA during the 2016 cycle. To date, she has read 250 names into the Congressional Record.
She promised to continue reading names until Speaker Ryan finally allows a vote on bipartisan, broadly support legislation that will save American lives.
Source: www.robinkelly.house.gov
