DeLauro is a member of the Task Force and strongly supports strengthened measures to prevent gun violence from occurring.
The following remarks are as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning. It is good to be with you. I want to
thank my good friend Mike Thompson for holding this field hearing of
the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. I applaud you, and
Congressman John Larson, for leading the charge
in the House for comprehensive background checks. I hope your
bipartisan bill receives a vote in the House as soon as possible.
“Thanks to Congressman Larson, Mayor Segarra,
Superintendent. Kishimoto, and everyone here at Hartford High for
hosting us. And let me acknowledge Governor Malloy, Senators Murphy and
Blumenthal, and all the other officials and panelists
here to discuss these important issues. Thank you for sharing your time
and insights.
“It has been over four months since Sandy Hook. The
families of Newtown, and families all across America, are waiting for
action. But, quite frankly, the Senate and the House have so far been
derelict in their basic responsibilities to
these families.
“Even though 90 percent of Americans support
background checks, the bipartisan bill to require them on all gun
purchases was recently defeated by a Senate minority. The House has
taken no action, even, though as I said both Congressman
Thompson and Congressman Larson had put forward the same bipartisan
bill as the Senate. And this week, we have seen Republican Senators try
to add pro-gun riders to completely unrelated legislation, like the bill
authorizing water projects for the Army Corps.
It is shameful.
“After Newtown, President Obama came here to
Connecticut and asked if we were doing everything we could to protect
our kids from gun violence. The answer, he admitted, was no. Four months
later, that answer is still no. America wants action.
We have to move forward in a common-sense and responsible fashion to
prevent gun violence in our schools and on our streets
“That means a stronger, more comprehensive system
of criminal background checks for gun purchasers, making gun trafficking
a federal crime, allowing gun violence research and otherwise
supporting public safety officials. And it means ensuring
better access to mental health care for those in need, particularly
young people, as will be discussed today.
“We need to keep pushing to make these common-sense
reforms happen. So I am glad to see Congressman Thompson and the Task
Force here today to learn more. Thank you for staying involved.”
This information is from a press release from DeLauro's office.
