[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E921-E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2018

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in acknowledgement 
of Gun Violence Awareness Month. The rising tide of gun violence 
continues to claim far too many lives. On an average day in America, 96 
people are killed with guns, and over 180 are injured. Too many 
Americans no longer feel safe in their schools, places of business, and 
homes. From Santa Fe to Parkland, to Huffman High School in my home 
district in Birmingham, children are losing their lives due to gun 
violence. No parent should have to worry about the safety oftheir child 
while in school.
  I would like to take this time to remember those who lost their lives 
due to gun violence

[[Page E922]]

in our communities. While we grieve for those we lost and pray for 
their families, we must work together to prevent future gun violence 
atrocities.
  While I am a proponent of the Second Amendment, we can no longer 
accept the status quo. With each mass shooting, a call to action comes 
and goes until the next shooting occurs. We are beyond the point of 
waiting. It is time for Congress to act. I urge my colleagues to take 
up gun safety measures that will protect our families and our 
communities. We cannot continue to mourn these tragedies without doing 
all we can to prevent them.
  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, ``injustice anywhere is a threat 
to justice everywhere.'' The injustice of gun violence affects each of 
our constituents and communities. Mr. Speaker, now is the time to set 
aside party politics and work together in the best interests of our 
nation to reduce gun violence.

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