Washington, D.C.– Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statements in response to the mass shooting in a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas on November 5th, 2017.
“As another community in our country mourns the loss of precious life, we must have an honest conversation on the need to implement common sense gun violence prevention laws,” said Rep. Grijalva. “While words and prayers can help heal, it is ultimately actions like having background checks and reinstating the assault weapons bans that will save lives. It is ironic, at best, for Republicans, who are attempting to decimate healthcare access, to repeat their talking point proclaiming that addressing mental health in this country is a solve-all solution to mass shootings. Gun violence in America has reached epic proportions. Congress cannot continue ignoring this crisis. It is past time for Republicans in Congress to stand up to the NRA lobby machine. Speaker Ryan must put a gun violence prevention bill on the floor for a vote today.”
“My thoughts are with the community of Sutherland Springs in the aftermath of yet another deadly mass shooting. As people across the country take time to remember and honor the victims, I hope we can also acknowledge and embrace that we have the ability to help prevent these tragedies,” said Rep. Pocan. “Contrary to what some politicians may say, more guns in churches, schools, movie theaters, or night clubs will not make us safer. Congress should take action to end this cycle of tragedies and take up commonsense legislation to help save lives – including reinstating the assault weapons ban, establishing mandatory background checks, and allowing federal research on gun violence.”
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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.
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