Washington, D.C.– Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statement today in response to the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
“Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the lives that were lost in the mass shooting in Las Vegas, and the countless individuals, families, and friends who will live with the aftermath. Last night, Americans were met with gunfire from a terrorist using a weapon meant for war. When our nation is forced to endure these tragedies, we must always approach them with both compassion and leadership. Now is the time for us to come together in mourning, but unity without action is not enough.”
“After every mass shooting, Republicans pin their stance on the 2nd Amendment, rather than using their power to protect Americans from acts of domestic terror and violence. The facts are clear: only a military-style weapon could take more than 50 lives and injure more than 500 people in a matter of minutes. Our Founding Fathers did not write the 2nd Amendment as an alibi for senseless gun violence or as an excuse for elected officials to ignore a growing national crisis. Congress is responsible for taking action and passing legislation to prevent these acts of gun violence from claiming more innocent lives and fueling fear in the hearts of all Americans.”
“Republicans should immediately cease their effort to pass the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act, which is nothing more than a callous NRA lobbyist effort to promote silencers and armor piercing bullets, while weakening firearm transportation requirements. Instead, House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell must immediately allow a vote on legislation to institute common-sense measures like universal background checks, reinstitute the ban on military-style assault weapons, and outlaw high capacity magazines. As long as a vote to save lives is stopped by NRA lobbyists, leadership in Congress will remain the accessory to the crime.”
###
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
Follow CPC
