John, it's Valerie –

Every Sunday morning, I go to church to pray.

No matter your religious background, every one of us knows the joy that comes from being with your community. Church is my safe place and it’s where I go to connect with my faith, community, and find strength through tough times.

I’m sure you have your safe place too, John. Whether it’s at school, a baseball game, a backyard party, or even your living room, some of our happiest memories come from being surrounded by loved ones and neighbors.

But in America today, these happiest memories can turn into the worst nightmares if we happen to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time — all because of gun violence.

Our kids are learning how to barricade their classrooms. Festival goers are running in a stampede when they hear loud bangs. Our safe places are no longer truly “safe.”

It shouldn’t be this way. I’m fighting in Congress to stand up against Trump and MAGA Republicans who are cozying up to the gun lobby and choosing gun profits over the safety of our families and communities.

I’m proud to be in this fight. I’ve helped lead the effort in Congress to reinstate the assault weapons ban and advance common-sense measures like enforcing background checks, ending the gun sale loophole, and expanding gun safety education.

I’ve signed petitions to force Republicans to vote on these measures — because I’m not letting any of them run away from addressing this public health crisis.

So if you’re in this fight with me, please sign my petition to demand Congress to address gun violence and look out for the safety of American families and communities — not for the gun industry profits.

Together, we can make sure everyone has a true safe place.

Valerie Foushee