Rep. Meeks Statement on the Passage of Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of gun reform legislation, the Protecting Our Children Act. Rep. Meeks stated:

“Within the first half of this year alone, we have witnessed over 200 mass shootings - 27 taking place at schools. Parents send their children to school to become our future leaders of this country and protecting them is of the utmost importance. Gun violence terrifies our communities in what could happen to their loved ones on a seemingly normal day. While the nation continues to mourn the countless, almost daily tragedies of gun violence, we must also focus our collective efforts on demanding action. I’m proud that House Democrats are working to combat the epidemic of gun violence and passed historic gun violence prevention legislation today.

“The Protecting Our Children Act isa package of billsthat would raise the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons, outlaw high-capacity magazines for civilian use, and crack down on gun trafficking, and more to reduce gun violence. This package will ensure that the survival of our children is our collective responsibility. The victims of gun violence and the loved ones they’ve left behind require us to do more and to say enough is enough. I urge the Senate to immediately bring this legislation to the floor,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.