By Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives

 

Last week: The mass shooting and murders in Santa Barbara have reopened the national conversation we must have about gun control and mental health, as well as the sometimes overlooked but all-too-present element of violence against women in our society. As the elected representatives of the American people, Members of Congress have the power to do something about all of this. Such steps include mandating universal background checks for gun purchases, which 90 percent of the country supports. We need to have the political will and the courage of our convictions to stand up against what is a vocal but small minority.

 

Looking ahead: With all the joy that comes with summertime -- vacation, time to relax, trips to the beach -- we South Floridians know that tragic stories of childhood drownings and near drownings will also be part of our summer. Parents, kids, babysitters, lifeguards, safety advocates and government agencies must continue to be partners in the mutual effort to end these preventable deaths and accidents. Organizations such as PoolSafely.gov and SafeKids.org have information and resources for us all to read up on so we can employ multiple layers of protection to keep summer safe and fun -- from improved fences and drains to vigilant supervision.

 

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