DeLauro Statement on the President’s Executive Actions to Prevent Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, DC (January 5, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement on President Obama’s new executive actions to prevent gun violence.

“President Obama’s executive actions are a critical step in the effort to prevent gun violence and save American lives. From making the nation’s background check system more efficient, to ensuring the effective enforcement of our existing gun laws, these commonsense measures will help keep guns out of the wrong hands and prevent gun violence. For far too long, Congress has failed to act because of the impact of the powerful gun lobby and I applaud the President for doing all he can to stop these tragedies before they affect another American community.

“While these measures will make a difference, Congress must act to further prevent gun violence. More than three years after the tragedy in Newtown, Congress continues to block even a simple up or down vote on background checks. Congress also refuses to renew the assault weapons ban, allowing more high-capacity guns and magazines to flood our streets. And just last month, Congress once again decided to not lift the federal ban on gun violence research that is stopping us from studying how we can save lives.

“The President’s actions must be the start of our work to prevent gun violence in America. From Newtown and San Bernardino, to countless other communities every day, Americans are impacted by gun violence and we cannot allow this crisis to continue. We must honor with action and that is why I will continue to stand up and fight for commonsense legislation to save lives.”

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