[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 145 (Monday, October 5, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7110-S7111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MASS SHOOTING AT UMPQUA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
Mr. REID. Madam President, just a few days ago--last Thursday--our
great Nation witnessed another tragedy. While preparing these remarks,
we were trying to come up with what we should say, and ``tragedy''
doesn't quite convey how horrible that mass killing was in Oregon.
Once again, a young man was able to obtain an arsenal of guns and end
the lives of innocent people. Nine men and women woke up Thursday
morning, all to attend a community college, but they were assaulted and
killed in a demented, sadistic killing ritual. Lucero Alcaraz, age 19;
Treven Taylor Anspach, age 20; Rebecka Ann Carnes, age 18; Quinn Glen
Cooper, age 18; Kim Saltmarsh Dietz, 59 years old; Lucas Eibel, 18
years old; Jason Dale Johnson, 34; Lawrence Levine, 67; Sarena Dawn
Moore, 44--all victims of a deranged gunman's murderous attack.
Madam President, our hearts are broken for the families and loved
ones of the victims and for this whole community of Roseburg, but a
broken heart isn't enough, is it. This senseless act of gun violence is
not an isolated tragedy. Communities all around our Nation are
shattered daily by these cruel and undeserved acts of gun violence.
The reality of gun violence in the United States is not only
shocking; it is pathetic. Every day, gun violence claims the lives of
30 Americans. Tomorrow at this time, 4:15--24 hours from now--about 30
more Americans will be killed by guns. And 11,000 Americans are
murdered with guns each year. This year alone, we have had 200 mass
shootings--200. Anywhere else in the world these alarming facts would
prompt action. Sadly, here in the United States we have become so
desensitized to the lives taken every day by guns that our response is
to do nothing--to do nothing.
Each time gun violence claims a life in America, the Nation follows
the same routine. Here is what it is. The same thing happens. We have
shock and sorrow. Then we start asking questions. Who did that? Who was
the killer? We usually have to wait a few hours to find out who it was.
Why did they do this? Why did they carry out this horrible act? Then we
wonder aloud, when the time allows it: What could we as a nation have
done to prevent this terrible thing from happening? But we don't do
anything. We don't act.
It is within our power to reduce gun violence in this Nation and
prevent mass shootings--not all of them but some of them, a few of
them. We know these tragic events almost always occur in instances
where somebody is unstable or they are terribly violent, and they are
able to get a gun easily and use it to carry out these terrible
attacks. We know this, yet we fail to pass improved Federal laws
placing distance between mentally ill, violent people and guns. Instead
of taking action, lawmakers all around this country pander to the
extreme rightwing gun lobby and leave Americans vulnerable to these
attacks. This year alone there have been more than 200 mass shootings--
this year. The United States is the global leader in mass shootings--
this great Nation. Can't we raise standards in this country for gun
purchases? The answer of course is yes. We can do it while not
infringing on the rights to restrict access to firearms but to keep
Americans safe. Let's not mince words about who would stop us from
passing background checks: Republicans who wage a rightwing ideological
crusade fashioned by the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of
America. These two organizations are in a scramble of who can raise the
most money. That is what it is all about. If one of them does
something, the other will do better than that. Each request comes with
``Can you send some money?'' This rightwing ideological crusade,
fashioned by the NRA and Gun Owners of America, is to prevent
background checks to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists,
criminals, and the mentally ill.
The National Rifle Association is a far cry from the sportsmen's
organization it once was. The NRA once called mandatory background
checks ``reasonable.'' That is what they said. Now it uses its energies
and its members' dues to fight against even the most sensible reforms.
In opposition to this deadly agenda, Democrats have long sought to
strengthen background checks. But instead of joining Democrats in
finding ways to protect American lives, Republicans have pledged their
loyalty to what was once a moderate sportsmen's organization.
Times have changed. Now the NRA and its leadership are committed to a
radical agenda that allows criminals and mentally ill Americans to
access guns and commit these terrible acts. Is this what the American
people elected us to do? I think not. Is this the protection they want
or deserve? I think not. Americans are smarter than that. They deserve
better than that.
The majority of people who belong to the NRA believe there should be
background checks to stop people who are mentally unstable and are
criminals from buying guns, and 90 percent of gun owners believe there
should be background checks, including 86 percent of Republicans. But
even in the face of overwhelming public support, Republicans still
refuse to join Democrats in taking steps to implement background checks
that could save the lives of countless Americans.
We have witnessed the consequence of inaction too often. Why do I say
that? This is over a period of many, many years--now decades: Fort
Hood, 13 Americans killed; Tucson, 6 Americans killed; Carson City, 4
Americans killed; Newtown, 27 Americans killed, including 22 babies,
little tiny children; Aurora, 12 Americans killed; the Navy Yard, here
in DC, 12 Americans killed; Charleston, 9 Americans killed while
worshipping; Moneta, VA, 2 journalists shot to death on live
television; and now there is the massacre at Umpqua Community College,
9 dead.
[[Page S7111]]
These tragic events have shattered the lives of too many families.
The shooter was armed with 6 firearms and loads of ammunition, and when
they came to his home they found at least 14 guns--and another gun. I
thought it was only 14, but, no, they found another one. So add them
up--15 plus 6, or 21 guns--21 guns.
We do not yet know why this young man murdered these innocent people
in cold blood. But what does it say about our country that it is
willing to stand by, idle, while these tragedies happen, happen,
happen?
Smarter gun laws in this country are long overdue. The lives of these
men, women, babies, and children are at stake. How many more innocent
lives must be taken before we are willing to act? How many more
communities and families' lives will be shattered? How many more sacred
places of worship will be violently attacked? How many more colleges or
schools will be terrorized and forever traumatized by gun violence? How
many more Americans will we mourn? How many more solemn statements,
speeches of condemnation, and frank discussions must take place? What
will it take before we stand up as a nation and say: Enough, not
another innocent American will fall victim to this ideological crusade
of having more guns and more guns and more guns.
If we don't take action, we are equally responsible for innocent
deaths as are the sick individuals who plot and carry out these
horrific massacres. I have started reaching out to Senators and talking
about what can be done to advance the cause of background checks while
Republicans are in charge for the next year or so. But one thing is
clear. To pass background checks, we need Republicans to stop acting as
puppets for the NRA.
Madam President, would the Presiding Officer announce what the
schedule is for the rest of the day.
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