Rep. Cicilline urges increased legislative action to combat gun violence

Following the advancement of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Rep. David N. Cicilline said the momentum must be used to pass other gun violence combating measures.

“This is the first time in nearly 28 years that Congress has sent a comprehensive gun violence prevention bill to the President’s desk,” Cicilline, vice chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, said. “And while this legislation is an important first step in our fight against this nation’s gun violence epidemic, we cannot rest. We must use this momentum to pass other measures, including the House’s bipartisan Protecting Our Kids Act.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act provides, among other provisions, support for state crisis intervention orders; protections for victims of domestic violence by closing the boyfriend loophole; bans gun trafficking and cracks down on straw purchases; addresses anti-violence community initiatives; invests in safe schools; and requires enhanced background checks for people under age 21.

“How many more kids need to die before we finally ban assault weapons?” Cicilline said. “Or limit high-capacity magazines? Close the Charleston loophole? We cannot rest until we ensure that our kids are safe in school, congregations safe in houses of worship, and neighbors safe in our communities.”