Pallone on Sensible Gun Reform: “It is not enough to call for action, we must enact change”

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on the need for federal reforms for gun safety.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Roseburg tragedy, their families and their community. As the President said, however, our thoughts and prayers are not enough. As a nation, repeated mass shooting tragedies and the gun violence that plagues our communities every day cannot wither the resolve to demand action. As Members of Congress, it is not enough to call for action, we must enact change. We have reached a point as lawmakers and as Americans where we have a question to answer: Can we stand up to special interests and enact the sensible, bipartisan gun reforms that the country wants?

“Of course no one piece of legislation will stop every shooting, but it can help. We have a duty to protect all Americans and to do everything within our power to reduce gun violence and the chance of another mass tragedy like Roseburg, Sandy Hook, or the at least 53 other mass shootings we have witnessed in between. If we can ensure people who want to do harm unto others cannot get their hands on guns, it will be a start. If we ban high capacity magazines, it will be a start. If we can reduce the number of guns in our communities that were built to kill people, it will be a start. If we can close the gun show loophole, it will be a start. If we can verify the identity of those purchasing ammunition online, it will be a start. There is legislation to bring about these simple and common-sense changes. Just this week I – along with 146 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle – called on the Speaker to enact common-sense gun safety legislation. Now, Republican leadership must have the courage to get started.”