To the Editor:
Biden Steps Up on Gun Violence Prevention, Now Senators Must Act
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there has been an unprecedented surge in both firearm sales and gun violence.
Recent economic stress combined with social isolation has intensified the crisis and further highlighted weaknesses in our existing gun safety laws.
However, gun violence survivors and activists now have reason to be hopeful.
On Thursday, April 8, 2021, President Biden unveiled immediate plans to address gun violence with six initial executive actions. “Gun violence in this country is an epidemic and an international embarrassment,” exclaimed President Biden.
I couldn’t agree more.
Among Biden‘s executive actions are plans to prohibit the proliferation of “ghost guns,” which are untraceable and easily made at home, funding for evidence-based community intervention programs, and a rule to clarify the sale of stabilizing braces. This enables firearms to be more accurate, deadly, and was used in the recent Boulder shooting.
This historic moment in gun violence prevention comes in the wake of the devastating shooting at an Indianapolis FedEx facility, and many others this past month.
“Gun violence in this country is an epidemic and an international embarrassment.”
–President Biden
Biden’s actions are commendable, but we must pass federal legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales.
In fact, 90 percent of Americans support this life-saving legislation, including 89 percent of gun owners, according to Everytown for Gun Safety research.
Last month, the House passed H.R.8, a comprehensive background checks bill. Now, the ball is in the Senate’s court. It is time follow Biden’s lead.
Please tell your Senators we need more than thoughts and prayers. We need background checks, NOW.
Call, email, or text “CHECKS” to 644-33 to urge all Senators to support this life-saving legislation.
Then, text “READY” to 644-33 to join Moms Demand Action. You do NOT need to be a mother to be a Mom. If you believe it’s our patriotic duty to reclaim America’s safety from gun violence, your passion and intolerance for injustice will be warmly welcomed.
Jeri Patasnik
Morris County Communication Lead
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
