Honoring Sandy Hook with Action

Statement of Congressman Jim Himes on the fourth anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary:

My heart still aches for those 20 children and six courageous educators who lost their lives four years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This pain is felt throughout all of Connecticut and the nation, and I mourn with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. 

But the challenge we face calls for more than shared grief and heavy hearts. That’s why I pledge my unwavering commitment to action against the onslaught of gun violence.

We cannot be complacent with the daily mass shootings that continue to plague our communities.

We cannot refuse to implement even the most basic of gun safety regulations.

We cannot allow partisan differences stop us from passing legislation that will prevent the next mass shooting.

We cannot honor these victims if we do not act to stop the bloodshed.

I’ve voiced my disapproval of Congress’s disregard for the thousands of people impacted by gun violence every year. We were sent to Washington D.C. to protect the public’s safety and implement meaningful change. Instead, Congress has done nothing.

The American people expect us to do better. I’m proud of the example that Connecticut has set by enacting some of the nation’s toughest gun control laws. But we still have much more work to do. We need universal background checks and increased access to mental health services. I am encouraged by recent advancements including the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which expands federal resources for mental health programs. I’m also proud of the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation for supporting these endeavors.

I know the fight is far from over. We must remain committed to these reforms and fight for them whenever possible. It is these actions that will honor the victims of gun violence. Families in Newtown and across the country deserve it.