Gun Violence

Floor Speech

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, in the past 3 weeks, our Nation experienced three shootings in Isla Vista, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Troutdale, Oregon, for which we remembered the victims with a moment of silence. These shootings that resulted in 14 senseless deaths received national media coverage and sparked a national discussion on the need for better mental health policy. Mental health is a factor, but only one factor, in the gun violence epidemic.

In the same 3 weeks, 175 people were shot on the streets of Chicago, with a number of deaths. None of these shootings made national headlines, sparked a national debate, or received a congressional moment of silence. As a Nation, we have become unfazed by urban violence.

But I am not asking for more silence. We have been silent enough. We need action. I have introduced three bills that promote commonsense gun reform and that don't infringe on Second Amendment rights. These bills would highlight the public health risk associated with gun violence, help the Consumer Product Safety Commission set gun safety standards, and prohibit high-risk individuals from possessing guns.

I urge my colleagues to be a voice for American safety. Gun violence is more than mental, and Americans can no longer afford our silence. Lastly, I want to know just who and how many more must die or be shot before we take action?

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