Following Tragedy at UNLV, Lee Urges Congress to Honor Victims with Action, End Gun Violence
LAS VEGAS – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement urging Congress to honor victims with action following this week’s tragic mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the families of the victims and students, staff, and members of the UNLV community who are reeling in the wake of this tragedy. I have a son in his freshman year of college. I worry every day about the possibility that tragedy will strike on his campus. For many in our community, that worry became a reality on Wednesday.
“I am grateful for the brave and rapid response of first responders, University Police Services, and LVMPD, which prevented this day from becoming even deadlier. But I am also incredibly frustrated and angry. Our community knows the pain of mass shootings all too well.
“Now is the time for action. Six years after our nation’s deadliest mass shooting struck just a few miles from this week’s tragedy, our community is once again asking why our country chooses to accept this as normal. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for our kids. Nearly 40,000 Americans have died this year and last weekend, our country broke the record for mass shootings this year.
“On Wednesday, at the very same time that local law enforcement was bravely rushing to the scene and students were hiding for their lives, Washington Republicans chose to block legislation from coming to the Senate floor that could stop the next tragedy and end this absurd cycle of inaction. That is the sick world we live in.
“Nevadans are tired of it and so am I. We cannot and should not continue to accept this violence. We must honor the victims with action that can prevent the next mass shooting, and I will do everything in my power to hold Washington to that.”
As a member of the congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congresswoman Lee has been a fierce advocate for common-sense gun safety legislation. Under a Republican House majority this Congress, Congresswoman Lee has signed several discharge petitions which would force votes on gun violence prevention bills currently being blocked by Republican leadership. These measures include universal background checks, closing the Charleston loophole, banning assault weapons, and establishing a framework for safe firearm storage.
Last Congress, Congresswoman Lee voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention legislation signed into law in nearly 30 years. This historic legislation expanded background check requirements for buyers under 21, supports state Red Flag laws, and funds behavioral and mental health services. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Lee announced awards to the State of Nevada of nearly $700,000 andmore than $3 million as a result of this historic package.
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