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[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,
[[Page E746]]
for inspiring us every day through their commitment to a better future.
____________________