Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks One Year Anniversary of House Gun Violence Sit-in
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement today on the first anniversary of House Democrats gun violence sit-in on the House Floor:
“One year ago today, I was proud to join my colleagues on the House Floor to demand action on the epidemic of gun violence in America. Democrats, led by Congressman John Lewis, sent a message loud and clear to Republicans: enough is enough, Americans deserve to be safe in their own communities.”
“Sadly, instead of working with Democrats to pass commonsense gun reforms, Republicans – as they did one year ago today -- continue to prevent us from passing meaningful legislation to keep Americans safe. As a result, our movie theaters, places of worship, schools and streets are subject to senseless violence and bloodshed, resulting in more than 32,000 fatalities each year. While gun violence impacts all Americans, communities of color are especially devastated by our nation’s lax gun laws. African Americans specifically are two times more likely to be killed by gun violence, and African American children are 10 times more likely to die from gun violence than other children in America. This madness must end.
“Today as we reflect on the civil disobedience we undertook in the face of opposition from Republicans, my prayer is that we recommit ourselves to standing up and speaking out against gun violence in our country. Our constituents have demanded as much for far too long. The time for Congress to act and protect American lives is now.”
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