[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2022

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Active 
Shooter Alert Act: another strong step to help save lives from the 
scourge of gun violence.
  As we all know, our Nation witnessed a horrific mass shooting at a 
holiday parade in Highland Park, Illinois--stealing at least seven 
beautiful souls, shattering innocent families and forever scarring the 
community.
  Over the Fourth of July weekend alone, more than 220 Americans were 
tragically shot and killed--the latest surge of shootings in a year 
that has already seen more than 20,000 heartbreaking gun deaths.
  Sadly, this epidemic has reached a fever pitch, with:
  Countless mass shootings, from Uvalde to Buffalo and many more; and
  The daily massacre of gun crime, which rarely makes the evening news.
  These shootings often unfold in the heart of our communities: in our 
schools and on our streets; at our malls and in our movie theaters.
  But in active shooter situations, there's currently no efficient, 
effective way for law enforcement to warn the public--putting more 
lives at risk.
  That is why, today, the House will pass strong, bipartisan 
legislation to quickly warn communities when a gunman opens fire.
  Our Active Shooter Alert Act will help set up a system similar to 
AMBER Alerts--helping state and local law enforcement agencies to 
notify those in the area of an active shooter threat.
  Let us salute an unyielding champion in the fight against gun 
violence, Congressman David Cicilline, for crafting this commonsense 
and lifesaving measure.
  Importantly, this bill has the support of many major law enforcement 
organizations. They know firsthand the challenges of keeping families 
safe in an active shooter scenario--and they are calling for this 
legislation.
  When we brought this legislation to the Floor three weeks ago, it was 
overwhelmingly opposed by House Republicans.
  Their opposition to this legislation is unconscionable and 
inexplicable.
  Why would anyone vote against keeping communities better informed of 
potential danger?
  Why would anyone vote against ensuring innocent children do not 
accidentally walk into the line of fire?
  Why would anyone vote against the responding to the needs of our law 
enforcement heroes?
  Nevertheless, today--with or without Republican support--our House 
Democratic Majority will proudly pass this life-saving legislation.
  This legislation builds on Democrats' determined leadership to end 
the gun violence crisis.
  On Monday, many of us gathered at the White House to celebrate the 
enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: the most significant 
gun violence prevention legislation in three decades.
  While more is needed, this bill will take steps to save lives:
  Encouraging states to establish Extreme Risk Protection Order laws;
  Combating illegal straw purchases;
  Moving to close the boyfriend loophole; and
  Expanding background checks for buyers under 21; and more.
  Meanwhile, our Majority has twice passed the Bipartisan Background 
Checks Act and the Enhanced Background Checks Act, to secure universal 
background checks on all gun purchases.
  And last month, we passed our Protecting Our Kids Act to:
  Raise the age to 21 years old to buy weapons of war;
  Ban high-capacity magazines designed for mass murder; and
  Ensure safe storage to protect our children from tragic accidents and 
take additional steps to save lives.
  Madam Speaker, our fight to prevent gun violence is of, by and for 
the children.
  Of the children, because they are suffering. It is heartbreaking 
that, in America, more children die from guns than any other cause.
  By the children, because they are leading. We see them marching in 
the streets, testifying before the Congress, demanding action.
  And always For The Children: building a future where every child can 
reach his or her fulfillment, free from the fear of gun violence.
  Protecting our children must be a unifying mission in the Congress--
as it is a unifying issue for the American people.
  Nowhere will we find more agreement than this commonsense measure to 
help keep innocent families out of the line of fire.
  And we strengthened in this fight by the courage and commitment of 
President Biden: author of the Brady law in 1994, champion of the 
assault weapons ban and a long-time leader on this important issue.
  With that, I urge a strong, bipartisan ``aye'' vote for this life-
saving legislation.

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