Rep. Schiff Statement on Biden Executive Actions to Prevent Gun Violence
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced executive actions aimed at preventing gun violence:
“These actions from President Biden are a critical first step in addressing the epidemic of gun violence that America has faced for too long. 2021 is already shaping up to be one of the deadliest years for gun violence on record. In just 98 days, we’ve lost over 11,000 people to gun violence, another 8,000 have been injured, and there have been 133 mass shootings. It’s long past time to act, and these measures to prevent the proliferation of ‘ghost guns,’ increase regulation on devices that convert pistols into rifles, improve data collection, and invest in community-led violence prevention programs will help make our communities safer for everyone.
“But these measures are only the beginning. Congressional inaction is no longer excusable. We must rise to the occasion by continuing to pass bills that will make American streets safer for everyone. The Senate must pass prevention measures that have already passed the House this year, including bills to require background checks for private and gun show sales and close the ‘Charleston loophole,’ which allows people with criminal backgrounds to access firearms. And I’ll keep pushing for bills like my Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which will end the special immunity for gun manufacturers and distributors, an issue that President Biden has also prioritized.
“We are not powerless to address gun violence in America. We must act.”
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