Representative Beyer today assailed Congressional inaction over the Orlando mass shooting and the public health crisis of gun violence ahead of a scheduled recess of the House of Representatives. Just last week, House Republicans voted to block consideration of H.R. 1076, the bipartisan “No Fly, No Buy” legislation, an idea supported by 86 percent of Virginia voters.
“It is unacceptable for House leaders to refuse to act at this time,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Many of my constituents have written to say that they have had enough. They are outraged that Congress would adjourn without even voting on a bill to address gun violence. They are right: it is an outrage. The Speaker should be concerned with protecting Americans from dangerous people with guns, not protecting his Members from hard votes and the gun lobby.”
Though the Senate scheduled votes on bills, including amendments to expand background checks and to block gun sales for suspected terrorists, House leadership has steadfastly refused to allow a vote on any gun violence legislation following Orlando.
“Many of my colleagues seem content to simply offer moments of silence before leaving town without having acted,” Beyer added. “I will not be silent. Those killed in mass shootings like the one in Orlando deserve better. We should not recess without passing a bill.”
