Velazquez on Guns Sit-In

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Democrats’ sit-in on the House floor to demand action on gun violence:

            “I’m proud to join my colleagues on the House floor in taking this historic action to demand votes on commonsense gun control legislation.  The fact is the American people have had enough. Orlando was a dark reminder that the epidemic of gun violence continues plaguing our nation and that further inaction is morally unacceptable. 

            “There are meaningful steps we could take to address this problem. It makes no sense that someone on the ‘Terror Watch List’ who cannot legally fly can purchase a gun.  We need a strong ‘no fly, no buy policy.’  Our nation used to have a ban on assault weapons until President Bush allowed it to expire. That ban should be reinstated.  Likewise, we need a system of universal background checks that keeps guns out of the hands of those who would do harm. 

            “Additionally, I have introduced legislation to better trace the origin of stolen weapons, invest in mental health services and anti-violence outreach, and clamp down of the flow of stolen and missing guns that come into our City from other states. 

            “Last week, I took to the House floor to read the names of the victims in Orlando.  At that time, I said that, while we will never forget them, their memory will inspire change and action. Our sit-in on the floor is a continuation of that effort.  No matter what happens in the next few days, we will maintain this fight and not relent until Congress enacts meaningful gun control.”