John,

Yesterday, we witnessed yet another senseless act of gun violence in our state.

In Uvalde, far too many innocent lives were cut short by a gunman at Robb Elementary. My heart is broken for the families and the entire community of Uvalde. Children should be able to go to school without having to worry about being a victim of gun violence. Parents should be able to send their kids to school without wondering if they will come home.

This month alone, we have seen multiple senseless acts of gun violence across the country. 11 days ago in a supermarket in Buffalo. 10 days ago in a church in California, and 1 day ago in an elementary school in Texas.

It doesn’t have to be this way, John.

I refuse to accept that there is nothing we can do to keep our kids safe in their schools, or to protect worshippers or shoppers at a store. The truth is we are the only major developed nation that is plagued by this level of gun violence, caused by policies at the state and federal levels that value unfettered access to weapons of war over children’s lives.

The House has passed, with a bipartisan vote, common sense legislation to begin to address this crisis without violating the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The Senate should take up this legislation and send it to President Biden’s desk. The time for excuses and politics is over.

I am praying for our fellow Texans in Uvalde and the families who saw their lives shattered today. As angry as I am that Texas continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, I am as determined as ever to fight for a state where our children are safe and that all Texans can be proud of.

– Colin Allred