Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—July 8, 2013. In the wake of Chicago’s staggering gun violence over the Fourth of July weekend, Congresswoman Robin Kelly is calling for Congress to revisit the issue of gun control legislation.
“I cannot stand by in silence after 12 people were killed and 74 wounded—including two small children—during the holiday weekend.” Congresswoman Kelly said. “During a time meant for celebrating our nation’s freedom, we have fellow citizens who do not feel free sitting on their porch, playing in the park or walking to the store. How many more people have to die before we start taking action? We need to come together and pass reasonable gun legislation that includes expanded mandatory background checks.”
Congresswoman Kelly recently introduced two gun reform bills, the first in a series of gun legislation she intends to sponsor.
One of her proposed bills, H.R. 2465, The Recognizing Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act, would require the U.S. Surgeon General to submit to Congress an annual report on the effects of gun violence on the public’s health. The legislation would examine gun violence in America as a public health threat, investigating the physical, emotional, societal and economic impact of the epidemic.
Besides gun legislation, Congresswoman Kelly is calling for elected officials at every level of government to create comprehensive solutions to gun violence.
“This is a multi-faceted problem that needs to be solved on many levels,” Kelly said. “Legislation is only part of the solution. I am calling on everyone—public officials, police, religious and educational institutions, job trainers and creators and especially our friends and neighbors—to come together to solve this terrible problem that is destroying a generation of young people one day at a time. It’s going to take a cooperative effort to make meaningful change.
Source: Kelly.house.gov
