DeLauro Statement at Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Field Hearing

Congressional Leaders Hear Connecticut Voices

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) helpedwelcome the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to Hartford todayfor a discussionon gun violence in Connecticut and across the nation. DeLauro is a memberof the Task Force and strongly supports strengthened measures to prevent gunviolence from occurring.

The following remarks are as prepared for delivery:

"Good morning. It is good to be with you. I want to thank mygood friend Mike Thompson for holding this field hearing of the CongressionalGun Violence Prevention Task Force. I applaud you, and Congressman Larson, forleading the charge in the House for comprehensive background checks. I hopeyour bipartisan bill receives a vote in the House as soon as possible.

"Thanks to Congressman Larson, Mayor Segarra,Superintendent. Kishimoto, and everyone here at Hartford High for hosting us.And let me acknowledge Governor Malloy, Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, and allthe other officials and panelists here to discuss these important issues. Thankyou for sharing your time and insights.

"It has been over four months since Sandy Hook. The familiesof Newtown, and families all across America, are waiting for action. But, quitefrankly, the Senate and the House have so far been derelict in their basicresponsibilities to these families.

"Even though 90 percent of Americans support backgroundchecks, the bipartisan bill to require them on all gun purchases was recentlydefeated by a Senate minority. The House has taken no action, even, though as Isaid both Congressman Thompson and Congressman Larson had put forward the samebipartisan bill as the Senate. And this week, we have seen Republican Senatorstry to add pro-gun riders to completely unrelated legislation, like the billauthorizing water projects for the Army Corps. It is shameful.

"After Newtown, President Obama came here to Connecticut andasked if we were doing everything we could to protect our kids from gunviolence. The answer, he admitted, was no. Four months later, that answer isstill no. America wants action. We have to move forward in a common-sense andresponsible fashion to prevent gun violence in our schools and on our streets

"That means a stronger, more comprehensive system ofcriminal background checks for gun purchasers, making gun trafficking a federalcrime, allowing gun violence research and otherwise supporting public safetyofficials. And it means ensuring better access to mental health care for thosein need, particularly young people, as will be discussed today.

"We need to keep pushing to make these common-sense reformshappen. So I am glad to see Congressman Thompson and the Task Force here todayto learn more. Thank you for staying involved."