House Dems Unveil Plan to Address Gun Violence
House Democrats unveiled its task force’s plan to crack down on gun violence today, calling on Congress to enact an assault weapons ban, outlaw high-capacity assault magazines, and put in place universal background checks for every firearm sale.
Fifty-five days after the Newtown elementary school shooting, the 12-member task force devised its package as an unabashed attempt to capitalize on growing frustration over the recurring trend of high-profile gun crimes throughout the country.
“Every person who holds public office takes that oath to protect and defend,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said. “It is our first responsibility.” The plan, which consists of 15 proposals, largely mirrors the steps suggested by President Obama and Vice President Biden last month.
“We can’t relive what just happened in Newtown, we can’t relive what happened in Aurora, we can’t relive any of the major tragedies, nor can we continue to live in a society where 32 people a day are killed with firearms,” Rep. Mike Thompson, the chairman of the task force, added. “We have a responsibility. It’s time to act.”
“The proposals that the White House is making, the proposals that Congressman Thompson and his task force are making are consistent and very close together in their intent,” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said. “We’re very pleased to put this before the American people who we believe polls show want common-sense safety precautions made for them, their families and their communities.” Democrats emphasized that their ideas are intended to respect the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, but they also stressed that Congress has the power to limit access to certain firearms, especially from criminals and the mentally deranged.