Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement as the House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 by a vote of 227-203:
“It’s been more than 8 years since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary left our communities in Connecticut and across the nation shocked and heartbroken. Since then, the gun lobby and the legislators beholden to it have fought the implementation of even the most basic and commonsense firearm-safety provisions. But we will not give up.
“The People’s House is sending a strong message today that we will not stand idly by in the wake of the violence that claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year. It is our moral obligation to take action wherever we can to protect lives.
“Universal background checks have the support of 97% of Americans, including 97% of Republicans and 97% of gun owners. They would keep more guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Background checks are not a panacea, however. We need additional legislation to make guns safer, keep weapons that are designed only to kill off the street, and provide better mental-health support for Americans.
“President Biden has made it clear that he will sign this bill into law if it’s brought to his desk. That means all we need is courage from a handful of Senators to put the safety of American families and children above their allegiance to gun manufacturers. I sincerely hope they do the right thing.”
For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.
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