WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Mother's Day approaching, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) joined with congressional women House members to call on Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) to schedule a debate on gun safety legislation by June 20, Father's Day.

 "Mothers and fathers are telling us that 'It's the guns – stupid,'" said Representative Schakowsky.  "The tragedy in Littleton is just another grim reminder that gun violence is rampant, that our children are in danger, and that no community is immune to senseless violence.  Just in my suburban community of Evanston, I have been to three funerals in the past two years of children killed by guns."

"For the sake of the millions of parents who see their children off to school every day, Congress must act.  It is time to strengthen our laws to keep firearms out of the hands of children and to break the cycle of juvenile violence," added Representative Schakowsky.

 From 1987 to 1993, the rate of homicides committed by juveniles that involved a firearm grew by 182%.  Furthermore, a 1993 Harris survey found that 59% of schoolchildren in grades six through twelve could get a handgun.

 Schakowsky pointed out that numerous bills have been introduced in the House this year to strengthen current gun safety laws.  These bills will raise the eligibility age on gun ownership from 18 to 21, close the loophole on gun show sales, require child safety locks on handguns, and ensure that guns are held to the same quality and safety standards as other products.

Schakowsky, the grandmother of one-year-old Isabel called on Speaker Hastert to schedule two days of debate on such bills by June 20th, Father's Day.