April 20, 2016

Cárdenas and House Democrats Stand with Families of Gun Violence and Call on Congress to Take Action

WASHINGTON, DC –  U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas(CA-29), along with Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Joseph Crowley (NY-14), U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter (NY-25), and U.S. Representative Norma Torres (CA-35), introduced H.Res.694 in an effort to get Congress to take action following gun-related tragedies. The resolution would require that every moment of silence held in the House related to a tragedy involving gun violence is promptly followed by a committee hearing on the subject within ten legislative days. Today, there is no such policy in place.

“Members of Congress have introduced dozens of bills to try to address the problem of gun violence, yet no meaningful action has taken place,” said Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA).  “This is not about taking away a citizen’s second amendment right to bear arms. By changing the rules, we are setting a new standard for Congress to act rather than merely stand in silence.”

More than 100 Democratic Members of the United States House of Representatives have co-sponsored this resolution, signifying growing Member frustration over the lack of action taken by Congress to date.

“The sad reality is gun violence is taking an incredible toll on our society. We can no longer acknowledge tragedy after tragedy, shooting after shooting by just saying that something needs to be done, but never actually doing anything,” said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. “If the House can take a moment of silence to recognize a tragedy, then the House should schedule a hearing to investigate the tragedy. We owe it to the victims of gun violence, their families, and the American people to move forward as a country in taking responsible, reasonable steps to protect American lives. I thank my friend and colleague Congressman Cárdenas for spearheading this resolution that demands that we, as Members of Congress, do our jobs and find solutions to a problem that is plaguing our communities.” 

“Eighty-nine people a day are killed by a gun in America. I have stood on the floor of the House far too many times to observe a moment of silence in recognition of the lives lost to gun violence. This resolution is about making clear that moments of silence alone are not enough. It would simply give the American people what they expect and deserve – a hearing every time we observe a moment of silence for another violent tragedy caused by guns in this country,” said Rep. Lousie Slaughter (D-NY).

“Our constituents deserve more than a moment of silence.  If yet another mass shooting isn’t going to compel my colleagues to come to the table and have a thoughtful dialogue on gun violence, then at least this resolution will require them to. Gun violence plagues every city in America.  It touches people from all walks of life, and if we ignore it, it will only get worse.”  Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA).

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