[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SAVE OUR CHILDREN FROM GUN VIOLENCE

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 1999

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, why won't this Congress 
listen to the American people and allow us to pass common sense laws to 
keep guns out of the hands of children?
  I was optimistic when I first learned the other body would take-up 
amendments drafted to keep guns away from our children. I thought they 
may set an example for the House to follow by putting politics aside to 
save our children from gun violence.
  But what happened? The other body defeated a simple, common sense 
measure that would have tightened regulations on the sale of guns at 
gun shows.
  I ask you, why is this a political issue? How many more children will 
have to die before Congress wakes up and passes laws to save young 
lives?
  I want you to know that we will not give up. We will only fight 
harder for what the American people want--common sense measures to keep 
guns away from our kids and off our school campuses. My office alone 
has heard from thousands of people throughout this country who support 
my legislation, the Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act. Today, a 
young student on Long Island let me know that her school sent a 
petition to the Speaker of this House, asking him to address the issue 
of children and guns.
  Now more than ever, we need to hear from every school and from every 
parent in this nation. Call, write, e-mail--flood the halls of Congress 
with your demands--let this Congress know that you want meaningful 
legislation passed to save our children from gun violence. Every day 
that goes by with more silence, we lose 13 more kids.

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