America Has A Gun Problem

Floor Speech

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Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because America has a gun problem.

Every week my constituents wake up to news of another shooting, another life cut short, another family torn apart.

Doing nothing about this crisis is not an option.

Year after year, the United States leads the developed world in gun deaths but lags far behind in meaningful policy solutions.

When I first came to Washington, I published the 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America. This first-of-its-kind report framed gun violence as a public health crisis and offered solutions that truly matched the scale of the epidemic.

Unfortunately, 10 years later, gun violence still claims tens of thousands of lives every year.

Since 2014, guns have become the number one cause of death for children and teens. Gun violence is killing a generation and robbing communities of future leaders, teachers, doctors, artists, and more.

Mr. Speaker, 10 years later, I am, once again, bringing together survivors, advocates, experts, and my fellow Members of Congress to say: Enough is enough.

I produced the 2024 Kelly Report to chart a path for the work yet to be done.

My wish is that this would be the last Kelly Report on gun violence I need to write. My wish is that our country will see a future where children can safely walk to the park, a high school student can safely pick up her friends, and a father can safely play basketball with his son in their driveway.

Americans should not have to live in constant fear of becoming another deadly statistic. Thoughts and prayers are not substitutes for policy and action.

I hope that this report not only sheds light on the public health crisis that is gun violence in America, but also provides a meaningful roadmap to create change and save lives. Recognizing Meagan Thompson

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Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I also take this time to acknowledge Meagan Thompson.

Meagan has served in my office as senior health policy adviser and has done a remarkable job advancing health equity, access to care, and innovative treatment options during her time in this role.

Her contributions to my office have gone beyond policy expertise. Meagan's joy and enthusiasm brings light to our whole office. While we will miss Meagan in the office, I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her next endeavor. I know that Meagan's work will continue to make a difference for years to come.

Last but not least, please fund Ukraine.

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