"Not One More"

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the National Day of Action for Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention:

"This is not the first time that I've spoken out against gun violence, and sadly, it will not be the last.

Every day, Americans lose their lives to gun violence, yet the Speaker adjourned for a vacation without a single vote to address this epidemic that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year.

My community knows the true cost of gun violence. Last year, 82 of my constituents lost their lives to gun violence. Today, I'm demanding not one more.

The American people want action from Congress. More than 80 percent of Americans, including a majority of NRA members and Republicans, support expanded background checks for all gun buyers and closing loopholes that allow suspected terrorists to purchase weapons of war.

Despite broad support for commonsense reform that will save lives, the Speaker closed the House, turned off the cameras and shut down the microphones -- but he cannot silence our voices.

Following the historic sit-in, led by the conscience of the Congress, Congressman John Lewis, we have taken the fight back to our communities with today's National Day of Action.

When Congress returns, we will continue this fight to protect our communities and American families from senseless gun violence."

BACKGROUND:

Today, Congresswoman Lee joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman, Congressman Mike Thompson, other Members of Congress, law enforcement and victims of gun violence for an event at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

Congresswoman Lee was joined by the father of Davon Ellis (14) and the mother of Reggina Jefferies (16), both young victims of gun violence in Oakland.

Throughout the historic Democratic sit-in, Congresswoman Lee carried the several photos of East Bay gun violence victims including Reggina Jefferies, Davon Ellis, Antonio Romas, Chyemil Pierce and Torian Hughes. During the sit-in, she remembered them, their lives and their families in this speech at 3:52 am.

Congresswoman Lee introduced the Tiahrt Restrictions Repeal Act (H.R. 1449). This legislation would remove restrictions that prevent law enforcement from sharing vital information to address gun theft and bad-actor gun dealers. Congresswoman Lee is also a proud co-sponsor of the Safer Communities Act (H.R. 2994).

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