DeLauro Calls On Congress to Act on Gun Violence Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) todayjoined with her colleagues and called on Congress to pass responsiblelegislation to prevent future tragedies resulting from gun violence. Recentpolling shows an overwhelming majority of American are united behind that goal,including the 92 percent who support universal background checks on gunpurchases. DeLauro is a member of the House Democratic Task Force on GunViolence Prevention.

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

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

"We owe it to these victims – and to the victims andfamilies of Newtown – to take action in support of sensible and responsible gunviolence prevention. By overwhelming bipartisan margins, the American peoplewant us to respond to this tragedy with meaningful legislation.

"It is the responsibility of this Congress to answer thiscall. We need to do more to prevent guns from falling into the hands of violentcriminals, to get dangerous assault weapons off the streets, to improve ourmental health system, and to give law enforcement the tools they need to keepthe public safe.

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