Every day, gun violence devastates communities across the country. It threatens Americans in places where we should all feel safe, like houses of worship, schools and movie theaters.
Once again, our country is following a mass shooting at Michigan State University late last night that left 3 dead and 5 still in critical condition. Once again, a community is torn apart by preventable violence and forced to endure unimaginable pain and loss. Once again, “thoughts and prayers” are not enough to solve this ongoing problem.
The timing of this horrific tragedy hits especially hard – today, we grieve the fifth anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 14 students and 3 teachers and administrators were massacred with an AR-15 style rifle by another student.
Nearly thirty years ago, Congress passed an assault weapons ban which took these guns out of the hands of children, and the rate of gun massacres plummeted across the country. But then Republicans let that ban expire – and mass shootings sky rocketed.
In his State of the Union last week, President Biden called on Congress to once again ban assault weapons. I’ve sponsored legislation to do just that, but with a Republican majority in the House, Congress needs to know that you’re with me. We’re asking voters to weigh in on this topic so we can prove that a majority of Americans support a ban on assault weapons.
President Biden is right – we have to finish the job and ban weapons of war once and for all. Assault weapons are 6 times more deadly than handguns. They’re used in 25% of mass shootings. They have no place on our streets – and especially do not belong in our schools.
Since the beginning of my time in Congress, I’ve championed gun violence prevention measures. I’m grateful to consistently be endorsed by groups like Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Brady PAC, and Giffords. These groups know that I am firmly committed to our shared mission of protecting our communities from senseless gun violence.
An assault weapons ban worked in 1994 and it’ll work in 2023. Urgent action is needed now. Please weigh in on this important issue today.
Thank you,
Scott
