[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E733-E734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IMPACT OF GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SHONTEL M. BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Ms. BROWN. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson and 
Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for leading a Special-Order Hour on 
July 25 to discuss the impact of gun violence on Black communities.
  As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we have an obligation 
to speak out

[[Page E734]]

on behalf of our constituents, and an obligation to work towards a more 
just society for everyone.
  And this Special Order is so important because gun violence is 
devastating our communities. The conservative Supreme Court and radical 
state legislatures have weakened our gun safety laws and Black families 
in Black neighborhoods are paying the price.
  My district is not immune. In Cleveland earlier this month, 9 people 
were shot in a mass shooting. Gun violence is leaving trauma, fear, and 
pain across Northeast Ohio. The party that likes to talk about freedom, 
has left my constituents in fear, unable to enjoy everyday activities 
without the fear of gun violence.
  And I am a licensed gun owner. But I fully support gun safety 
legislation, including an assault weapons ban, creating universal 
background checks, closing dangerous loopholes and more. Because I have 
the audacity to believe that my constituents deserve to feel safe.
  Finally, I want to stress that we can't give up hope.
  Large majorities of the American people want us to act. And last 
year, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. That's 
right, it was bipartisan. And we were able to strengthen background 
checks and impose new penalties on illegal purchases.
  That's why we have to continue to speak out and continue to work the 
legislative process. We owe our constituents nothing less.

                          ____________________