John,

Last week, 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 21 beautiful, innocent lives were stolen by another madman who had easy access to assault weapons.

This senseless act of violence comes on the heels of the devastating white supremacist attack on grocery shoppers in Buffalo and the mass shooting at an Asian church in Laguna Woods. Over this Memorial Day weekend, there were 14 mass shootings that left 9 people dead and over 60 injured, with another 4 killed in a Tulsa hospital this week.

Enough is enough. Shame on anyone who offers “thoughts and prayers'' but opposes commonsense gun reforms. Shame on every politician who issues yet another canned, meaningless press release after these heartbreaking tragedies – all while taking thousands of dollars from the NRA. Faith without works is dead. This carnage is on them.

For far too long, the NRA and the gun lobby have had a stranglehold on our democracy. Too many elected officials are bought and paid for by the NRA. We have the power to act. We have the power to stand up to the gun lobby and finally take action on gun violence. Congress just needs the courage to do something.

The House has passed two pieces of legislation to address the gun violence epidemic, which would tighten gun sales by expanding background checks. And now House Democrats are considering an additional package of legislation to raise the minimum age for purchasing semiautomatic rifles, stiffen penalties for gun trafficking, and ban the import, sale, and manufacture of large capacity magazines.

The House is working to end gun violence and keep our kids safe in school, but the Senate has failed to do their job. All I have to say to the NRA-funded Republicans in the Senate is this: you have blood on your hands. We need action right now. Our kids are dying while we wait for it.

But despite all the carnage and all the spineless politicians, I still find reason for optimism and even a sliver of hope.

Today, during National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend, we are coming together to demand action – to demand better. Young people are, once again, leading the fight for gun violence prevention. Parents are making their voices heard and calling on Congress to act. Folks from all walks of life are standing up and wearing orange today to show that they refuse to be silent in the face of gun violence. And on June 11th, thousands and thousands of people will make their voices heard, with hundreds of “March For Our Lives” protests being organized nationwide.

Everyday people in America are doing everything they can to end this senseless violence – now it’s time for the Senate to finally find the courage to act.

Thanks for taking some time out of your day to read this, John. Please reply to this message and share your thoughts with me. Take care of yourselves.

All my best,

Jared Huffman

 

Congressman Jared Huffman represents California's 2nd District, which spans from the Golden Gate Bridge north to the Oregon border. As a Democratic leader, Jared is committed to protecting our environment, fighting for access to affordable healthcare and equality for all Americans. Click here to support Jared's campaign with a contribution today, or sign on to become a sustaining supporter by making a monthly contribution.