A quick warning: This email includes a text thread referencing a school shooting that some folks may need to avoid seeing. If you’re one of them, but still want to take action to end this epidemic, sign on now to become a citizen co-sponsor of the legislation I just re-introduced.

John, you may have seen the same viral text conversation between a Texas student and his mother that made my blood run cold the first time it came across my newsfeed. 

CBS wrote about the viral text chain calling them a “string of terrified text messages:”

From the moment she received that first text, this mother knew exactly what was happening at her son’s school. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that the federal government doesn’t actually have a specific definition for “school shootings.” I know I was when I first heard it.

What’s more, that lack of definition actually has big implications for how our government responds to this epidemic of gun violence — in our schools, or anywhere else in America. The full explanation is a bit wonky, but in short: The federal government can’t identify, can’t study, can’t develop policies for, and ultimately can’t solve problems it can’t define.

That’s why I was proud to reintroduce The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act. If passed, it would start by actually defining a “school shooting.” From there, it would require the government to collect data we can use to develop real, evidence-based solutions to this crisis.

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I lost my son, Jordan, to gun violence. So, this issue is personal for me. That’s why I’m working with other Members of Congress whose communities have been torn apart by school shootings. Our bill won’t solve the crisis alone, but it’s a critical starting point on the path to finally ending it. 

The current lack of definition isn’t an accident, John: It’s not like our federal government is ignorant to what’s happening! Rather, intentional and well-funded efforts by the gun lobby stymie progress at every step towards a solution — including this first one.

We will only overcome their deep pockets with a massive show of support, from every corner of our country. Will you help us show the true breadth and depth of support for this critical and common-sense legislation by signing on as a citizen co-sponsor today?

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Thanks for standing with us on this one. Given who we’re up against, I have no illusions that something even as straightforward as this bill will be an easy fight to win. But, I also have no doubt that we can, must, and will win it — given who I know is always in our corner (that’s you!)

Always,

— Lucy

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