WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement upon the announcement that the House of Representatives would hold a standalone vote on the Assault Weapons Ban:
“We applaud Speaker Pelosi and House Leadership for advancing the Assault Weapons Ban for a standalone vote today. This is a lifesaving bill, crucial to keeping our communities safe and preventing the next Uvalde, Pulse, Sandy Hook, Parkland, and too many other mass shootings in which assault weapons were used to devastate families across this country. This Progressive Caucus-endorsed bill, passed out of the Judiciary Committee, has the support of the majority of Americans and more than 200 cosponsors.
“We are also pleased that this bill, which reflects the consensus of the Democratic Caucus, will move expeditiously while a separate legislative package on public safety continues to be developed and revised. The Progressive Caucus will continue to work with our colleagues to help advance policies that unite all Democrats and provide our communities with the evidence-based tools, strategies, and resources they need — particularly essential legislation from CPC Deputy Chair Katie Porter (CA-45) and CPC member Steven Horsford (NV-04). As that process continues, the Assault Weapons Ban must pass without delay. We urge our House colleagues to join us in swiftly passing this legislation today so we can send it to the Senate and save lives. We urgently need to get these weapons of war off our streets."
