Gun violence is a national health crisis. There's no question about that. The question is no longer if we should take action but when.

But Republican lawmakers, unwilling to say no to campaign checks doled out by the NRA, have fought even the most basic measures to increase gun safety. Meanwhile, thousands of innocent Americans lose their lives each year due to senseless gun violence.

That's why I'm urging Lindsey Graham, Chair of the Senate Judicial Committee to convene immediate hearings on background check legislation recently passed by the U.S. House. We cannot afford to keep indulging the whims of pro-gun extremists while our schools, places of worship, grocery stores, and movie theaters become relics of fear.

It's time Senate Republicans return Congress to its place as an equal branch of government—not somewhere reasonable ideas go to die without debate.

Help me send the message to Republican lawmakers: enough is enough. We are sick and tired of living in constant fear for our lives and our families' lives.

Ron