Newtown Action Alliance Endorses 24 Additional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives for 2020 Elections (Round 7)
For Immediate Release:
September 18, 2020
Newtown Action Alliance Endorses 24 Additional Members of the
U.S. House of Representatives for 2020 Elections
Newtown, CT-The Newtown Action Alliance (NAA) is proud to endorse 25 members of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2020 Elections. See below for the complete list.
For over seven years after the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy, NAA has been advocating for a set of bold and comprehensive gun control legislation to dramatically reduce all forms of gun violence in our nation.
In 2019, NAA joined a coalition of gun violence prevention survivors, advocates, and researchers from across the country at the GVPedia Conference in Denver, Colorado to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Columbine shooting, and to forge a path forward to a safer America. From this assembly the Denver Accord was born, a declaration of guiding principles and policies to end the scourge of gun violence in America. NAA has fully endorsed GVPedia’s Denver Accord principles that acknowledge 1) Guns do not make us safer; 2) Gun violence in America is a pervasive public health crisis that demands substantial policy solutions and well-funded programs that effectively reduce gun violence; 3) Equitable and just enforcement of gun laws is paramount; and 4) Everyone has the right to live free from violence.
NAA will continue to encourage all members of Congress to fully support the Denver Accord. Meanwhile, NAA is endorsing gun safety candidates who support its top federal policy priorities. All 25 representatives have voted for 1) H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019; 2) H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019; and H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. All 25 Representatives are also cosponsors of NAA’s priority legislation H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 and many other life-saving policy proposals.
NAA plans to endorse other cosponsors of H.R.1296 and S. 66— Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 in the coming weeks.
Bills passed in the House of Representatives:
H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5] (Introduced 01/08/2019) Cosponsors: (232)
Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 240 - 190 (Roll no. 99) on February 28, 2019
H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6] (Introduced 02/08/2019) Cosponsors: (15)
Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 198 (Roll no. 103) on February 27, 2019
H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37] (Introduced 06/08/2020) Cosponsors: (230)
Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 236 - 181 (Roll no. 119) on June 25, 2020
Priority Bills for the Newtown Action Alliance (*three of which passed out of House Judiciary Committee):
H.R.1186 — *Keep Americans Safe Act (to limit high capacity magazines)
Sponsor: Rep. Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL-22] (Introduced 02/13/2019) Cosponsors: (161)
H.R.1236 — *Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] (Introduced 02/14/2019) Cosponsors: (211)
H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] (Introduced 02/15/2019) Cosponsors: (216)
H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37] (Introduced 03/07/2019) Cosponsors: (167)
H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law (to require background checks on ammunition purchases)
Sponsor: Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-23] (Introduced 03/13/2019) Cosponsors: (81)
H.R.2585 — Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2019
Sponsor: Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3] (Introduced 05/08/2019) Cosponsors: (73)
H.R.2708 — *Disarm Hate Act (to prohibit firearm sale or transfer to and receipt, possession, shipment, or transport by a person (1) who has been convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime, or (2) who has received an enhanced hate crime misdemeanor sentence)
Sponsor: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] (Introduced 05/14/2019) Cosponsors: (191)
H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law (to require safe storage of firearms)
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] (Introduced 05/21/2019) Cosponsors: (109)
H.R.3214 — Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
Sponsor: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28] (Introduced 06/11/2019) Cosponsors: (38)
H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019 (to require that all firearms are traceable and detectable)
Sponsor: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] (Introduced 06/27/2019) Cosponsors: (42)
Following are the 25 Representatives endorsed by Newtown Action Alliance:
Rep. Mark Takano, 41st district of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
. Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for H.R. 4909 — Stop School Violence Act of 2018
· Public school teacher for 24 years
. “The American people deserve more than moments of silence. They deserve action to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people. They deserve to have their voices heard. They deserve to send their kids to school without fearing an assault-style weapon will be waiting for them. But, at the very least, they deserve to know where each Member of Congress stands. I am asking my Republican colleagues to find the courage to hold a vote on real gun violence prevention legislation that will save American lives."(votesmart.org)
. “I have yet to hear one good explanation on why this should not be the law of the land. If a dangerous person cannot pass a background check at a licensed gun dealer, they should not be able to avoid a background check by going to a gun show or purchasing a firearm over the Internet.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, 13th District of Michigan
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2585 — Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
. “Speaker, I rise today on the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub tragedy to remember those who lost their lives on that horrific night. It should not be lost that this happened at an LGBTQ nightclub during Latino night and that those who lost their lives were mostly our Brown and Black neighbors. Just this weekend, I joined community members, advocates, and local elected officials to demand action on gun violence in our country. Hundreds of us gathered for this rally across the street from where organizers were getting ready to open Motor City Pride, Detroit's Pride celebration attracting tens of thousands of people wanting to celebrate the community and recommit to the fight for justice for our LGBTQ neighbors. A few hours after the gun violence rally wrapped up and Motor City Pride opened, armed neo-Nazis right outside of the gates of the festival taunted attendants, creating an unsafe environment for all of us. I bring this up because the fight against gun violence is intersectional. The fight against hate is intersectional. Let us remember those who have been lost to gun violence. Let us remember those at Pulse. Remember those at Stonewall Douglas. I commend our people who have taken action out of the tragedy that shouldn't have happened at all. It is time for us elected officials in this Chamber to do what we can to stop gun violence and hate in this country.” Floor Speech June 12, 2019
Rep. Dina Titus, 1st District of Nevada
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
. Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
. Voted for H.R. 4909 — Stop School Violence Act of 2018
. Voted for H.R.5827 — Exempting Guns From an Estate for Bankruptcy Purposes
. “Who would have ever thought in a ‘cowboy state’ like ours, you could pass this legislation, even background checks? If you can do it here, I’d say the country is ready.” Sept 16, 2019
. “As we mark 9 months since the tragedy of October 1 we must commit ourselves to addressing the plague of gun violence that is taking lives in concert venues, classrooms, playgrounds, movie theaters, dance clubs, houses of worship, and places where we live, study, work, and play.”
Rep. Paul Tonko, 20th district of New York
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for H.R. 4909 — Stop School Violence Act of 2018
· Voted for A 2302 — Childproof Firearms Sales
· Voted for A 2466 — Assault Weapon Definition Amendments
. Cosponsored H.R.1454 — The COOL OFF Act
· Cosponsored H.R.569 — Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act
· “As America’s death toll from gun violence continues to rise, we must let science and good sense bring us back together and ensure our families & communities are safe.” Tonko.house.gov/guns
· “Our gun violence epidemic is a uniquely American challenge. Americans are 25 times more likely to die of a gun homicide than the people of any other developed nation.”
Rep. Norma J. Torres, 35th District of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for H.R. 4909 — Stop School Violence Act of 2018
· Voted for AB 1014 — Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders
· Voted for SB 374 — Prohibits Semiautomatic Rifles with Detachable Magazines
· Voted for SB 755 — Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits
· Voted for AB 1810 — Expanded Firearm Registration
· "President Trump's decision to loosen regulations on U.S. firearm and ammunition sales only helps dictators, terrorists and narco-traffickers with easier access to weapons of war," Rep. Torres said. "This isn't about making the American people safer -- it's about placing firearm sales over our national security, plain and simple." Jan 27, 2020
· In a December, 2019, Op-Ed. Stated, “So the problem that we face isn’t that there are disturbed people in this country – there are troubled people all over the world. It’s not that we’re exposed to violence in the media – the same video games and movies flash across screens on every continent on Earth. The problem we have is access. We can’t legislate troubled thoughts out of someone’s head, but we can pass laws that prevent a gun from winding up in that person’s hands.”
Rep. Lori Trahan, 3rd District of Massachusetts
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
. Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted in 2019 to pass a “minibus” package of fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills. Congresswoman Trahan successfully advocated for the inclusion of $50 million in the package for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the public health emergency of gun violence.
· "For too long, Congress has remained on the sidelines as families and communities across the United States are torn apart by preventable gun violence. Even as our sisters and brothers call for action, the gun lobby has maintained its blockade on essential reforms. No more. We have a window of opportunity to save lives and reject the notion that widespread gun violence is the price of freedom. I've been proud to support commonsense gun safety reforms like universal background checks, red-flag laws, banning weapons of war, and closing the Charleston loophole since coming to Congress, and I am proud to join with Senator Warren, Representative Johnson, and our colleagues to advocate for this important package that, if passed, will save lives.” Jan 30, 2020
Rep. David J. Trone, 6th District of Maryland
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· “The thoughts and prayers of politicians have done nothing to protect Americans from mass shootings. Proper regulation and safety from Congress will.” Davidtrone.com
· In May, 2019, hosted a gun violence prevention forum with Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), a gun violence prevention champion and new Member of Congress. More than 370 people attended the event, and seven local organizations provided information and resources to prevent gun violence.
Rep. Juan Vargas, 51st District of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Cosponsored H.R. 2598 — Gun Violence Restraining Order Act of 2017
· Cosponsored H.R. 1475 — Gun Trafficking Prevention Act
· Cosponsored H.R. 1612 — Gun Show Loophole Closing Act
· Cosponsored H.R. 3458 — Make Identifiable Criminal Rounds Act
· Cosponsored H.R. 93 — The Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act
· "Congress has the power and the moral responsibility to pass common-sense gun safety legislation. I support the U.S. Constitution and believe that Congress must act to address the gun violence epidemic in our country. I am ready to work with my colleagues to find comprehensive legislative solutions to this dire problem and I plead with my Republican colleagues to listen to the children and the families who have had their lives upended by senseless gun violence." Feb 21, 2018 SD Union Tribune
. While participating in the 2019 sit-in to force consideration of the “No-fly, No-buy” bill, stated “Mr. Speaker, we find some people so dangerous that we won’t let them on a plane, but currently they can buy a gun. That makes no sense.”
Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, 7th District of New York
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Introduced The Protecting Americans From Gun Violence Act of 2017 which requires that a $1 fee be collected following every registered background check. In turn, revenue from this tax will help fund research to prevent gun violence and to preserve the operation of background checks. Specifically, the first $10 million collected through the tax would go to fund gun research at the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
· Introduced The Stopping the Iron Pipeline Act of 2017 to create a national standard for embedding technology within a firearm that would allow the weapon to be identified. The “iron pipeline” is an underground route used to smuggle guns from states with more permissive gun laws into places like New York. The Act would ease the process of identifying weapons, allowing law enforcement to trace the origin of guns used in crimes.
· While participating in the 2016 House sit-in to demand action on “No-Fly No-Buy” legislation, stated, “I’m proud to join my colleagues on the House floor in taking this historic action to demand votes on common sense gun control legislation. The fact is the American people have had enough. Orlando was a dark reminder that the epidemic of gun violence continues plaguing our nation and that further inaction is morally unacceptable.”
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, 23rd District of Florida
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Sponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· As a member of two significant House committees, Appropriations and Oversight and Reform, she understands both the power of federal funding and the importance of accountability. She has consistently supported funding for gun violence research and measures to hold gun manufacturers accountable. (Giffords.org)
· “We owe it to the victims to demand swift, immediate action to end this epidemic of violence. That includes demanding Senate Leader McConnell and that Republican-controlled chamber do their job and pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Enhanced Background Checks Act, two bills that would clearly save lives and were passed by the House of Representatives nearly a year ago.” Feb 14, 2020
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, 12th District of New Jersey
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.2585 — Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Cosponsored A2895 — Establishes a Statewide Firearm Buyback Program
· Cosponsored A206 — Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines
· Introduced The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act in 2015- places limits and safeguards on the online sale of ammunition. The bill seeks to prevent acts of mass violence by requiring online purchasers of ammunition to appear at licensed dealers in-person to confirm their identities with a photo I.D, preventing unknown entities from stockpiling ammunition. The bill would also require dealers to report any sales of more than 1,000 rounds to an individual in a 5-day period — a commonsense step that would allow law enforcement to ensure such individuals don’t pose a public threat.
· Introduced The Handgun Licensing and Registration Act, also led by Congressmen Frank Pallone, (D-NJ), Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)) would overturn an outdated 1986 law to create commonsense standards for handgun ownership. Legislation includes a federal licensing and registration process for handgun ownership with minimum requirements including: the person seeking gun ownership is at least 21 years old, the person undergoes firearm training, the handgun owner has undergone a criminal history and background check, and a license renewal process after five years.
· “Gun violence continues to plague our society at levels unseen anywhere else in the world,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “In the wake of tragedy after tragedy, the American people are pleading for common sense gun reform. Our failure to pass such legislation should be a point of shame for anyone entrusted with public safety, a trend I’m confident will begin to change under the leadership of Democrats in the House.” (Watsoncoleman.house.gov)
Rep. Maxine Waters, 43rd District of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers
· Voted NO on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse
· Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1
· Cosponsored H.R. 2324 and S 843 Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales
· "Americans, please stop tolerating the pain, suffering, and prayers of families, friends, neighborhoods & all caring Americans. Demand the Members of Congress get rid of ALL assault weapons or kick our a--- out of Congress!" Aug 6, 2019 The Hill
Rep. Peter Welch, At-Large District of Vermont
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Cosponsored H.R. 5827 Exempting Guns from an Estate for Bankruptcy Purposes
· Used to have NRA A rating. According to campaign finance records, Welch received an “unsolicited” $1,000 donation from the NRA in 2008. He has since donated that sum to the gun-control group headed by former Rep. Gabby Giffords!
· He “observed the National Rifle Association becoming more extreme” since his arrival in Washington a over a decade ago. He previously led the Vermont Senate.
· “I think what’s really, really changed is the NRA has gone from being an advocacy group that protected Second Amendment rights for sportspeople to basically an arm of the firearms industry.”
Rep. Jennifer Wexton, 10th District of Virginia
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Endorsed by the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
· Wants banks and credit card companies to flag purchases that could signal a person is preparing to carry out a mass shooting, a solution she said could circumvent the usual partisan debate on gun violence.
· In 2019, she introduced The Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act, that directs an agency of the Treasury Department to figure out how to track buying patterns the same way the government looks for behavior indicative of money laundering, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.
· Introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement for Safer Firearm Transfers Act in 2019. This bill would enable local law enforcement to block the sale or transfer of any weapon regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including silencers.
· "My constituents sent me to Congress to try to end the gun violence epidemic. As lawmakers, we have an obligation to do everything in our power to save lives and make our communities safer. We must put politics aside and work together to pass common sense protections that keep our constituents safe. This is practical legislation that both Republicans and Democrats can support." June 21, 2019
Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, 24th District of Florida
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· “ As a member of Congress representing communities that are disproportionately affected by gun violence, I’m fighting this issue on the federal and local level. As your question asserts, the House has already acted. I think it’s clear that the Senate as it is currently comprised will not act on the sensible reforms that we considered and passed in the House. That’s why I keep going back to the same theme — elections matter.” June 24, 2020 Sun Sentinel
Rep. John A. Yarmuth, 3rd District of Kentucky
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Cosponsored Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act
· "Best of Congress" by Working Mother magazine and Corporate Voices for Working Families for his leadership on issues relating to women and families.
· Recognized by The National Network to End Domestic Violence for his ongoing work in Congress to stop domestic violence and provide support for victims.
· Received 100 percent ratings from the League of Conservation Voters, the Children's Defense Fund, the National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, and the American Association of University Women, as well as a 96 percent rating from the NAACP.
· When Republicans refused to hold a vote on commonsense gun control legislation in June of 2016, Congressman Yarmuth was among the first legislators to join Congressman John Lewis in the historic sit-in on the House floor. He believes it is long past time for Congress to approve legislation to combat our nation's gun violence epidemic.
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, 6th District South Carolina
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers
· Voted NO on prohibiting suing gun makers & sellers for gun misuse
· Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1
· “The Charleston loophole is something all members of Congress should have the courage to change. And by doing so, grant the American people the serenity they deserve in their schools, in their entertainment venues, in their neighborhood streets. And god forbid in their places of worship.” 2019 Intro to H.R.1112
Rep. Ed Case, 1st District of Hawaii
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers
· Voted NO on prohibiting suing gun makers & sellers for gun misuse
· "If they have a number of TROs against them for domestic violence, if they have a history of mental health they should not be able to buy, operate and be licensed for a firearm". Jan 21, 2020
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, 11th District of New Jersey
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted in 2019 to pass a “minibus” package of fiscal year 2020 which included $25 million for gun violence prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH); $78.3 million for states to upload records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); $8 million for community-based violence prevention grants, which have supported cities implementing a combination of evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies that have been shown, through research and evaluation, to effectively reduce youth violence.
· Congresswoman Sherrill ran on a commonsense gun safety platform and campaigned with Congresswoman Gabby Giffords at an event that lifted up the voices of other veterans alongside trauma surgeons who have treated gunshot victims.
· “It was my father who taught me how to shoot. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, is an antique firearms dealer, and a sportsman. My father not only taught me how to shoot, he taught me how to safely handle firearms. I continued that training at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I qualified as an expert shot in the Colt .45, the 9mm Beretta, and the M16 assault rifle. Again, I not only learned how to hit my mark, but I learned proper storage, handling techniques, and safety protocols. I strongly believe in the rights of responsible gun owners. I have spent most of my life handling firearms. And that’s why I know how critical it is for this Congress to pass common sense gun safety laws.” (Sherrill.house.gov)
Rep. Scott Peters, 52nd District of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted for STOP Gun Violence Act of 2018
· Cosponsored the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act
· Cosponsored the Raise the Age Act
· Helped pass the Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act 2020, which designated $25 million to the Center for Disease Control and $25 million to the National Institutes of Health for researching gun violence and mortality rates.
. Introduced The STANDUP Act— to expand evidence-based suicide prevention training to students in grades 6 through 12. It would also provide training to students and schools for threat identification, triage, and intervention, as well as guidance and protocol for coordinating with local law enforcement using established school threat, assessment models.
· “I strongly support the Second Amendment and the rights of responsible gun owners; however, there is no reason for civilians to possess these weapons of war that are being used in these mass shootings at concerts, churches and even to slaughter children at their schools. I’m angry, embarrassed, and deeply troubled by Republicans’ unwillingness to protect our children.”(ScottPeters.house.gov)
Rep. Antonio Delgado, 19th District of New York
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· “Part of my job (would be) to protect the rights of constituents, and the second amendment is no doubt a right I would want to protect, but just like the first amendment, every right has its limits." Oct 11, 2018
· “I respect the Second Amendment, and responsible gun owners and non-owners alike know that it goes hand in hand with commonsense solutions to reduce gun violence. We can’t afford to keep ignoring the facts. Every day, 7 children and teens die from gun violence. Overall, 35,000 Americans are killed by guns every year. If any disease were this deadly, it would be considered a public health crisis. We need to start treating gun violence like one.” (Delgadoforcongress.com)
Rep. Jim Costa, 16th District of California
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Voted YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers
· With regards to the killing of four men in his district in 2019, Mr. Costa commented: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, but as a community and a country, thought and prayers are not enough.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, 13th District of New York
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1705 — Jaime's Law
· Cosponsored H.R.2585 — Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.2867 — Ethan's Law
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· Cosponsored H.Res.367 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)
Establishing the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.
· Cosponsored Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2019
· In 2017 Mr. Espaillat joined congressman Brad Schneider to introduce the Ghost Guns are Guns Act which would require purchasers of firearm assembly kits to undergo federal background checks. He stated: “Guns assembled using these kits are called ghost guns because they are oftentimes completely untraceable.”
Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia, 29th District of Texas
· Voted for H.R.8 — Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.1112 — Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
· Voted for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
· Cosponsored H.R.1186 — Keep Americans Safe Act
· Cosponsored H.R.1236 — Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1296 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.1585 — Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
· Cosponsored H.R.2708 — Disarm Hate Act
· Cosponsored H.R.3553 — Untraceable Firearms Act of 2019
· Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
· Earned an F grade by the NRA
· First Latina Congresswoman from Texas
· Cosponsored Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2019
· Cosponsored Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act
· Has sponsored over a dozen gun safety bills in her first term in the House
· “We’ve had enough thoughts and prayers to end gun violence. Now is the time for action.” (Sylviagarcia.house.gov)
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Newtown Action Alliance (https://www.newtownactionalliance.org) is a Newtown-based, national grassroots organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is to achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes.