Congresswoman Bonamici Condemns Gun Violence and Senate Inaction After Mass Shootings in Dayton, El Paso, and Tragic Death in Portland

BEAVERTON, OR [8/4/2019] - Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici issued the following statement after gun violence over the weekend claimed dozens of lives in Texas and Ohio and across the country, including Portland State University student Deante Strickland. Dozens more were injured.

"Gun violence is a preventable and deeply disturbing American tragedy that continues to terrify communities, destroy families, and take away thousands of precious lives every year," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "I'm heartbroken by the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio and by the tragic gun violence that took the life of Deante Strickland in Portland. The House passed bipartisan background check legislation (H.R. 8) that could prevent gun violence and stem this unacceptable loss of life, if only the Senate would take action.

"I call on Mitch McConnell to immediately schedule a vote on H.R. 8 and cease his blockade of this lifesaving bill. I'll continue to work in the House to pass other commonsense measures such as banning high-capacity magazines and assault rifles, supporting public health research on gun violence, and others. It is long past time for Congress to respond to the demands of our constituents to take action to prevent gun violence—both mass shootings like those in El Paso and Dayton, as well as the daily shootings that cause irrevocable harm to families and communities. We must stand up against the hate—and far too often white nationalism—that serves as the motivation for horrific acts of domestic terrorism, such as in the El Paso attack. Americans need more than thoughts and prayers and moments of silence. Enough is enough is enough."