[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION

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                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, the Majority shouldn't be rushing to 
leave town. We should be acting to combat the gun violence epidemic 
that's tearing apart our country. Guns have devastated communities all 
across the country, whether it's a place of worship, a hospital, or 
even an elementary school. What were once sanctuaries have all too 
often become shooting galleries.
  We all watched just days ago as a peaceful protest in the wonderful 
city of Dallas turned deadly as a gunman ambushed and murdered police 
officers in the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the U.S. since 
9/11. No community should have to go through such horror.
  This is another tragic reminder of the dangers posed by easy access 
to weapons designed to kill. It should forever refute one of the most 
pervasive talking points from the gun lobby, that the only way to stop 
a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Law enforcement across 
the country make sacrifices every single day to keep us safe. But even 
an entire police force cannot prevent the tragedy caused by a madman 
determined to use a weapon of war in our communities.
  Mr. Speaker, the sad reality is that 91 people are killed by a gun 
every single day in America. Since Sandy Hook, there have been close to 
a thousand mass shootings. This has left our nation in a state of 
perpetual mourning with the constant fear that when our loved ones 
leave the house, we may never see them again.
  But despite this, the Majority has bowed to the pressure of the gun 
lobby again and again and failed to take up any meaningful reforms to 
combat gun violence. During the sit-in, we made a commitment to the 
American people that despite the Majority's inaction, we would keep 
fighting. The public remains united in demanding action. We're asking 
for votes on two bills that make good sense, one of which may have 
helped prevent the tragedy in Dallas. People must be astounded to hear 
that someone on the terrorist watch list cannot fly but still buy a 
gun. But instead of taking up these bills, the Majority is running for 
the exits to begin a nearly two month recess. It's shameful.

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