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Pelosi Statement on President Obama’s Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence

January 5, 2016

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on President Obama's new executive actions to reduce gun violence and make American communities safer:

"Gun violence is an epidemic in America. We have a moral responsibility to address the daily tragedy of gun deaths in our communities, and the vast majority of Americans support commonsense action to reduce gun violence. Yet the Republican Congress refuses to even keep guns out of the hands of suspects on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist.

"We cannot fail to act while so many Americans are dying. While Republicans continue their outrageous obstruction, the President is taking commonsense steps to reduce gun violence. The President is using his clear authority to toughen the application and enforcement of existing law to help save lives. Congress should support the increased resources needed for law enforcement and mental health care.

"Of course, the President's commonsense steps cannot substitute for Congressional action on gun violence. Congress must come together to build on the President's steps to curb gun violence and pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to strengthen background checks and keep guns out of the wrong hands."

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