[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA: STOPPING THE BLOODSHED

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                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I am shocked and devastated by the 
multiple, tragic deaths occurring across our country.
  The most recent senseless deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando 
Castile at the hands of police and the equally senseless killing of 
five Dallas police officers were all completely avoidable and 
intolerable.
  Words alone cannot describe my heartbreak--nor can words alone bring 
resolve.
  Mr. Speaker, our resolve should be real solutions to stop the 
bloodshed.
  Enough is enough--the American people are fed up, Congressional 
Democrats are fed up, the Congressional Black Caucus is fed up, and I 
am fed up.
  Republican Leadership should immediately bring to the floor:
  1. The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, H.R. 
1217, which would expand the existing background check system to cover 
all commercial firearm sales.
  2. Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act, H.R. 
1076, also known as ``No Fly, No Buy,'' which would allow the FBI to 
block gun sales to people on the terrorist watch list.
  3. Background Check Completion Act, H.R. 3051, which would require 
that a background check be completed before any gun sale proceeds, and
  4. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, H.R. 4603, which would ban the sale of 
firearms to those convicted of assaulting someone based on their race, 
religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
  Mr. Speaker, we continue to mourn the loss of lives in Newtown, 
Aurora, Charleston, Orlando, and so many others.
  Last month, House Democrats, led by our CBC colleague and iconic 
civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis from the 5th district of 
Georgia, held a 26-hour sit-in on the Floor of the House of 
Representatives to demand House Republican Leaders hold a vote on 
legislation to address gun violence.
  Mr. Speaker, after this sit-in, voters will not be silent.
  Americans across the country are coming together and organizing.
  In my district, I led a conference call with diverse leaders, 
activists, elected officials, religious and civic organizations, 
businesses and individuals in Central Ohio to discuss paving the way 
forward to curb gun violence and to unite our community.
  Mr. Speaker, we're not asking for a lot--we are simply asking to save 
lives.
  Mr. Speaker, what will it take?
  Our former colleague, U.S. House Representative Gabrielle Gifford, 
resigned due to being gun downed while trying to represent her 
constituents to the fullest.
  In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., ``We are now faced with the 
fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency 
of now.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is time you heed those words.
  Our nation is in an urgent crisis, yet, we remain trapped in 
Congressional inaction.

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