#PreventGunViolence

Preventing Gun Violence
No words can comfort and console the loved ones brutally taken from us in Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and other senseless tragedies. While we continue to pray for the families and honor the memories of those lost, here in Congress, what we need now are less words and more action.

Executive action can and should be part of the process, and many of the executive actions announced this week by President Obama will have a positive influence on reducing gun violence. But it is not enough. Congressional action is also critically needed to reduce gun violence – and Congress needs to look at action on such proposals as universal background checks, cracking down on gun trafficking, a ban on the sale of assault weapons, and a high capacity assault magazine ban.

House Democrats held a Steering and Policy Committee hearing this week that focused on preventing gun violence. We heard powerful testimonies from five panelists, like Dr. Janet Robinson, Superintendent of Schools in Newtown, Connecticut and Ms. Emily Nottingham, mother of slain Congressional staffer Gabe Zimmerman, who have experienced tragedy and who work every day to find solutions that prevent violence.

I was honored to respond with action by appointing Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) as Chairman of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, where his leadership will pave the way for our task force to find solutions that reduce and prevent gun violence.

I stand with President Obama—we need a comprehensive approach to reduce and prevent gun violence. We must do something to protect our communities and children. The time is now for House Republicans to join Democrats by stepping up and doing what needs to be done to save lives.

Congresswoman Pelosi and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee discuss
prevention of future gun violence and learn from a wide range of experience among the panelists.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We will soon commemorate and celebrate two monumental moments in our nation’s history—the upcoming 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s story and the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. As we watch the President take the oath of office next week, we remember the life and legacy of Dr. King and his message of hope that has stood the test of time.

Dr. King led a movement that forever changed the course of our nation by fighting for freedom and summoning all Americans to live up to the highest ideals. We must continue to heed the lessons and message of Dr. King’s life, cherish his memory, build on his legacy, and honor his commitment to progress.

The team, the team, the team
As a passionate fan of all San Francisco sports, I look forward to watching the 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons this weekend in the NFC Championship. As the reigning NFC West Champions, our football team brings much to be proud of in The Industrial City. Let’s bring home a win and carry our team in red and gold to the Super Bowl. There’s nothing finer than a 49er!

Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. I am also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NancyPelosi.