Fattah, Co-Chair of House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Applauds Senate Filibuster

Washington, DC, June 16, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), co-chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force thanked members of the Senate for their determination, through a filibuster, to take action on legislation to pass common sense gun laws.

The filibuster came on the same day that Congressman Fattah attended a private vigil for the youngest victim of the Orlando massacre.  Third in her class, 18-year-old Akyra Murray graduated from the West Catholic Prep High School last week.  She was in Orlando celebrating her graduation with family when she visited the Pulse night club with friends. 

"It's past time for Congress to vote on gun measures that will protect and ensure the safety of all Americans," Fattah added. "When the bi-partisan legislation is passed in the Senate, I call on my colleagues to immediately pass it in House."

Chaka Fattah, Member of Congress (D-PA)

“This was a young woman who had her entire life ahead of her, who worked hard to in school to achieve academically and make her family proud,” said Fattah.  “Her death, like that of so many others could have been prevented.  Common sense gun laws will prevent the deaths of innocent citizens like Akyra and the 48 others in the Pulse club, the children and teachers in Sandy Hook and the moviegoers in Aurora, Colorado. There is no community in the country that is immune from the tragedies of gun violence, and as we sustain our efforts, I hope we can find consensus and enact smart legislation to strengthen our country’s gun laws.”

“It’s past time for Congress to vote on gun measures that will protect and ensure the safety of all Americans,” Fattah added. “When the bi-partisan legislation is passed in the Senate, I call on my colleagues to immediately pass it in House.”

Congressman Fattah has a long history of advocating for tougher gun laws.  Specifically, he supports a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity gun magazines and favors background checks on all gun sales.

The House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was formed shortly after the December 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School and is tasked with identifying and putting forth policy proposals aimed to decrease and prevent gun violence in the United States.

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Source: Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah