Renewable Revolution

E-mail sent to me by Senator Leahy on Februaury 20, 2018

Dear Mr. Gelbert:

I regret that you are contacting me in light of another mass shooting.  Parkland, Florida is added to an ever-growing list of cities struck by unconscionable violence.

The day following the shooting in Parkland, the Senate held a moment of silence.  While this moment allowed us all to reflect on the horrific violence, and remember the lives lost and families that are suffering, our reflections and thoughts are simply not enough.  Congress must not stop here, and I will not stop here.

First and foremost, it is common sense that assault weapons specifically designed for the battlefield should not be on our streets, in our schools, or in our churches.  That is why, last fall, I joined several colleagues in introducing the Automatic Gun Fire Prevention Act, to close a loophole that allows semi-automatic weapons to be easily modified to fire at the rate of automatic weapons, which have been illegal for more than 30 years.  Additionally, we need universal background checks for firearms purchases—so criminals and others cannot abuse the internet and gun shows to evade background checks.  I am among the millions of responsible gun owners who undergo background checks and understand it is important to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

The Fix NICS Act of 2017, S. 2135, was introduced by Senator John Cornyn on November 15, 2017, and it attempts to help enforce current, existing laws regarding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, specifically in regards to the requirement that federal agencies notify the FBI of any prohibited purchasers.  The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to examine this legislation on December 6, and it is now up to the Chairman of the Committee to advance the legislation.

I am heartbroken by this violence.  I mourn the lives of those lost, and cannot stop thinking about the difficult times ahead for families and friends that have lost loved ones.  There are no more excuses.  Please know I am committed to passing commonsense gun legislation.  Just like I advanced, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2013, commonsense measures that would require universal background checks, strengthen firearms trafficking laws, and renew the ban on assault weapons.  Republicans then filibustered those measures on the Senate floor.  We must do better in order to protect our communities. 

Thank you for contacting me. I know it is a deeply emotional topic and I appreciate hearing your thoughts.  Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

PATRICK LEAHY
United States Senator