DeLauro Statement at “Gun Violence Prevention: A Call to Action” Hearing

Heard From Newtown Superintendent, Others Affected ByGun Violence

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) deliveredthe opening statement today at a hearing, "Gun Violence Prevention: A Call toAction." Representatives heard from a panel of witnesses who havewitnessed the devastating effects of gun violence first hand, including theNewtown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Janet Robinson.

The remarks are as prepared for delivery:

"Thank you. It is my privilege to welcome you. Thankyou to Leader Pelosi for calling this important hearing. I am alsopleased to join Rob Andrews, co-chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, andmy other colleagues for being here today. And thank you to all the members ofour distinguished panel today for taking the time to join us.

"I personally want to thank and acknowledge our visitor fromConnecticut, Superintendent Janet Robinson of the Newtown Public SchoolSystem. I know that Janet has been working with teachers and Dr. Maransat an unbelievable institution, the Yale Child Trauma Center, on ways to helpteachers work through this tragedy with their students. I look forward tohearing more about this, and to your testimony.

"Last month at Sandy Hook, a place where children should besafe to learn and to grow, the incomprehensible actions of a young man suddenlydevastated a small-town community.

Six adults and 20 innocent children, all of them between 6and 7 years old, were murdered in cold blood. We have seen similar actsof terror and evil in Aurora and Portland, in Littleton and Blacksburg, inOakland and Tucson – all across our country. We see the loss of life fromgun violence every day, all across this nation.

"After the unthinkable tragedy in Newtown, President Obamaspoke to the country and asked us: Are we doing enough to protect our children?The answer, he admitted, is no. And that must change. That is why we are heretoday.

"In today's hearing, we will hear from people who deal withthe effects of gun violence every day. The wide range of experience andexpertise from these panelists will facilitate a discussion on the common-senseand constructive steps that we must take to ensure these sorts of tragedieswill never happen again.

"I have a letter from the teachers of Newtown which I enterinto the record. I will just share you with one part.

"It reads: ‘In our schools, we need to strike the rightbalance to ensure that schools are nurturing while also safe. And we need tostrike the right balance so that schools do not become armed fortresses wherekids are unable to be kids. The voice of educators is critical to ensuring thatwe find and maintain this balance between safety and learning.'

"As we move forward during this difficult time,collaboration, communication, and valuing the voice and experience of all themembers of our community – teachers, educators, law enforcementofficials, and the affected families – will be essential to making ourschools and streets safer, stronger, and more united.

"That is why we are here today. To prevent another SandyHook, we all have to work together to end gun violence. I hope we can continuethat conversation today on how best to accomplish this, and make our childrensafer."