[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO HANDGUN CONTROL ADVOCATE RICHARD M. ABORN

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of NEW YORK

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed 
colleague and courageous public citizen, Mr. Richard Aborn, who has 
helped me and others lead the charge for tougher handgun laws. On the 
eve of his retirement from Handgun Control, Inc., he has inspired 
everyone committed to improving law enforcement policy in the United 
States. For all of those who work toward making our communities safe, 
from police officers, to neighborhood groups, Richard has provided the 
vision and the leadership needed to encourage all in their quest for a 
society free from gun violence and destruction.
  As an advocate for gun control since 1979, Richard worked at the 
Manhattan District Attorney's office, where he prosecuted homicide and 
gun distribution cases. His interest in reforming our Nation's weak gun 
laws motivated him to volunteer for Handgun Control, Inc., and in 1992 
was elected president. He was also selected as president of the Center 
To Prevent Handgun Violence, working in tandem with Handgun Control to 
develop comprehensive handgun control policies. As one of the principal 
strategists behind passage of the Brady bill and the assault weapons 
ban, Richard worked against the odds to surprise the pundits and help 
these crucial laws on the books. He has also used his immeasurable 
energy and influence to lobby for gun control measures at the State and 
local level.
  Not only has Richard contributed to reducing gun violence at the 
Federal level, but he has also been instrumental in establishing New 
York City's STAR Program--Straight Talk About Risks--the Nation's only 
prekindergarten through 12th grade program designed to reduce gun 
injuries through education. This ingenious program addresses gun 
violence before it starts. His contribution to New York City serves as 
a model for all concerned citizens wishing to stop violence in their 
own communities.
  Throughout my entire public career I have rarely met anyone with more 
conviction to a specific cause than Richard. His remarkable dedication 
resulted in landmark laws that have made our streets and schools safer. 
I would like to personally thank him for his time, energy, and spirit 
in helping me and others begin to realize our dream of living in a 
society free from guns and violence. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring him as he completes his time as president of Handgun Control.

                          ____________________