Matteson, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Congresswoman Robin Kelly, vice-chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released this statement following the tragic mass shootings in Chicago, El Paso, and Dayton:
“On Friday night, families in Chicago, El Paso, and Dayton went to bed with thriving, living family members. By Sunday night, all of that had changed, for the worst, because of the gun violence that has become an epidemic in our nation.
“For too long, Congress has been frozen when it comes to addressing this violence. When the House Democratic majority began in January, we made addressing gun violence a priority and have sent several bipartisan and widely-supported bills to the Senate.
“Conversely, the Republican-controlled Senate only rushes to offer their hollow ‘thoughts and prayers’ then exhibit no shame while cashing their campaign NRA checks. It’s past time to do something and save lives.
“Nearly six months ago, the Senate received bipartisan legislation, H.R. 8, to strengthen our nation’s background check system. The President tweeted his support of gunsense policies, like strong background checks. While he has caved to NRA pressure in the past, I believe he would sign H.R. 8, if it were to arrive on his desk.
“Given Presidential support for background checks and other gun safety measures, such as banning bump stocks, it is clear that the issue is the U.S. Senate, namely the one man in charge of it: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
“Since becoming Senate Majority Leader in January 2015, Leader McConnell has presided over 1,661 mass shootings in America, 25 of which occurred in his home state of Kentucky.
- Did he take any action to prevent dangerous people from getting guns? No!
- Did he hold a hearing on gun violence in any community? No!
- Did he stand with survivors of domestic abuse by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)? No!
- Did he accept NRA support? Absolutely!
“Leader McConnell should either allow a vote on lifesaving gun safety legislation or resign, immediately, derelict in his duty to protect American lives.
“Because of his inaction, malice, and apathy, Mitch McConnell is the greatest threat to the safety of America’s families.”
This is a release from Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s office.
