John,

Let's follow the problem, step-by-step.

Gun violence is ripping communities across our country apart. From the mass shooting at Thurston High School here in Springfield 24 years ago, to Columbine, to Sandy Hook, to Parkland, to Uvalde. Unspeakable tragedies have devastated communities and stolen away the lives of children and educators.

And all of this while Congress could have acted to pass legislation to reduce gun violence. But Republicans have obstructed, stalled, and outright refused to take any action to save lives.

Sign this urgent petition: demand the Senate take immediate action to end the filibuster, so it can begin to address gun violence (as well as a bunch of other important issues).

Why do I know we can do this? Because we've taken important steps on gun violence prevention right here in Oregon. I was proud to lead the passage of our universal background checks law. We've passed legislation to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, and to prevent people who are experiencing a mental health crisis from accessing a firearm.

So what's stopping Congress from stepping up to protect our kids? The filibuster in the U.S. Senate means that a majority can't take action if an extremist minority refuses to move forward on any commonsense legislation to lives – even the small steps in the Senate's current bipartisan plan – even if it's is broadly supported by voters across the country and across the political spectrum

SIGN THE PETITION

Let's be clear: the filibuster has long outlived its original stated purpose of forcing consensus. It has become a tool of obstruction, wielded by the Republican minority to deny progress on critical issues supported by a majority of Americans. And right now, it's costing lives. It's because Senators, bought by the N.R.A. and the gun lobby, hid behind the filibuster and watered down the gun safety reform bill being considered in the Senate this week. 

We can make progress on gun violence prevention, but not if our efforts are thwarted at every turn by extremists who abuse the filibuster. That's why we need you to sign the petition, and stand with our movement right now.

Val