[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2893-H2894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO GUN VIOLENCE VICTIMS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, America is experiencing a gun violence 
epidemic, both in mass shootings and everyday gun violence.
  More and more of our fellow Americans have to deal with mental health 
and physical injury in the aftermath of shootings. In many cases, they 
come out of the hospital with long-lasting disabilities.
  The residents in my hometown of Philadelphia have become much too 
familiar with gun violence. In a poll taken 6 months ago, two-thirds of 
residents reported having heard gunshots in their neighborhoods.
  Over Memorial Day weekend alone, 32 people were shot in Philadelphia. 
Seven of them died, including a 16-year-old boy. Those 32 families are 
changed forever.
  The toll of gun violence on the victims is enormous. It is emotional, 
mental, and financial. It is not just borne by those who are shot but 
also by family and friends, as well as witnesses, first responders, and 
countless others.
  I believe in prevention. That is why I signed the discharge petitions 
for the three gun safety bills. I also believe in helping those who 
have already been affected.

  We are becoming a nation of victims and survivors. As a country, we 
must not forget those who are struggling in the aftermath of gun 
violence. That is why I, along with Senator Casey, introduced the 
Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, H.R. 3962. This bill would 
create a council to assess the resources that are available and 
determine how we can ensure victims are getting the assistance they 
need.

[[Page H2894]]

  It is important for all of us to realize that this affects everyone, 
that we must address this question of violence and must not take it for 
granted. It can affect any family throughout this Nation, and it is 
important that we do all that we can to send a message that this is 
just not acceptable.
  Surely, we all agree on helping victims of crimes. The time to help 
victims is now. We must help victims. We must send a message that this 
is unacceptable, no matter where we live, no matter where we are, no 
matter where in this Nation.
  For the victims who are being affected, we must rise up and send a 
message that this behavior is no longer accepted. It will take us all 
working together to make a difference.
  I share with you, Madam Speaker, that it is important during this 
moment, like never before, that we come together and focus. No matter 
what city, no matter what State, no matter where in the United States, 
it is unacceptable.

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