Failing to Act on Gun Violence Is Not an Option: A Message from Rep. Huffman

Hello,

June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor the lives lost to this epidemic and highlight the urgent need for action. Gun violence is a uniquely American crisis, and it is happening everywhere. The statistics speak for themselves: over 100 lives in the U.S. are lost to this every single day, and firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Already this year there have been over 300 mass shootings. That’s more than one mass shooting every day. This is unacceptable.  

Rep. Huffman speaks at a press conference on gun violence prevention.

We need bold, meaningful action now. Last Friday, I joined community leaders and Bay Area lawmakers at a Gun Violence Prevention Day of Action press conference, where we heard from community members and advocates about how this crisis impacts people from all walks of life and about the action we need to take. I took this opportunity to highlight how gun violence impacts our district, including the tribes in our community, and fuels the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. 

We have made some progress worth noting. Last year, under President Joe Biden’s leadership, the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act became law. It’s the country’s first major gun violence prevention legislation passed in nearly three decades, and it includes funding for school safety, mental health, and state crisis intervention; closes the 'boyfriend loophole' that allowed domestic partners to obtain firearms; and combats gun trafficking. It was a huge win, but there is still so much more that needs to be done to truly end gun violence. 

Unfortunately, this year under a new majority in the House of Representatives, Congressional leaders have once again halted any commonsense reforms. Despite the blockades and unwillingness to budge from radical MAGA Republicans who are beholden to the NRA, my Democratic colleagues and I are using every tool at our disposal to pass reforms. Just last week, while the House Majority forced a vote to repeal modest, reasonable restrictions on deadly firearms, Democrats filed three discharge petitions (a way to compel Leadership to bring bills to the House Floor for a vote) for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, the Assault Weapons Ban, and to close the Charleston Loophole, a provision that has allowed prohibited purchasers to buy firearms. 
 
It’s past time to end this constant cycle of senseless gun violence. Enough is enough.  

Constituent Corner     
Gun violence impacts every district – including our own. I’d like to share a message from my constituent, Nicole, about her experience.

As a person dealing with the repercussions of gun violence, I know the wounds extend beyond the individuals shot. It’s well past time to act. No one should lose a child or children to senseless gun violence. And, there’s no excuse for inaction. Congress needs to stop stalling and save lives with sensible reforms.   
- Nicole, Novato 

If you would like to keep up with the work I am doing as your representative, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As I continue my important work for the people of California’s Second District, please don’t hesitate to contact my office for assistance if you are in need. 

Thank you, and stay well, 

Jared Huffman
Member of Congress