[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E745-E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING JUNE 7TH AS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KATIE HILL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2019

  Ms. HILL of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to declare June 
7th, National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Today we are reminded of the 
epidemic of senseless gun violence that plagues our nation. Our 
inaction has cost too many innocent lives. Every day, 100 Americans are 
killed by gun violence and countless others are wounded. We are 
fortunate to have passionate, forward-thinking, dedicated organizations 
like Moms Demand Action who work tirelessly to enact change and protect 
our community. It's time we do our part.
  As a lifelong gun owner, I know that respecting the Second Amendment 
and advocating for gun safety measures are not mutually exclusive. We 
can adequately retain the right to bear arms while keeping our kids and 
communities safe.
   Like most law-abiding gun owners, I believe that high-risk 
individuals like terrorists, domestic violence abusers, convicted 
criminals, and those suffering from mental illness, who are inclined to 
hurt themselves or others, should not be allowed to purchase weapons.
   That is why I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 8, The Bipartisan 
Background Checks Act of 2019, which establishes new background check 
requirements for firearm transfers between private parties. On February 
27, the House passed H.R. 8.--the first time in 25 years that a piece 
of gun violence prevention legislation came to the House floor for a 
vote.
   This is a public safety issue, not a partisan issue. Not only do we 
need stricter background checks, but we also need to provide funding to 
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to research gun violence 
as the public health concern that it is. We have a responsibility to do 
everything we can to address this problem.
   Gun safety is a priority for me because I have heard from far too 
many constituents who are afraid for their lives. One constituent 
survived the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, only to be killed the 
following year at the Borderline Bar mass shooting just outside our 
district. I will always fight for the people of the Antelope, Simi, and 
Santa Clarita Valleys, above all, and I am committed to pursuing policy 
solutions that address both the outcomes and root causes of these 
tragedies.
   By wearing orange and commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness 
Day, Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the 
lives and lost human potential of Americans stolen by gun violence. I 
want to thank the advocates and leaders all across America, but 
especially at home in my district,

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for inspiring us every day through their commitment to a better future.

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