Linda Sánchez Applauds President Obama for Bold Action on Gun Violence Prevention (Jaunary 16, 2013)

Washington,DC – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) released thefollowing statement today after President Obama announced a comprehensive setof initiatives to prevent gun violence:

"I applaud President Obama for takingconcrete steps to ensure that dangerous firearms never get into the hands ofpeople who would commit unspeakable acts of violence. I support thePresident's plan to strengthen background checks for all gun sales and toinstitute bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. These measureswill keep our communities safe and military-style weapons off thestreets.

"I also commend President Obama formaking safe schools a priority in his plan. I have long advocated that wereduce school bullying and that we place more counselors in schools that needthem. I am pleased the President is making sure that both bullyingprevention and hiring more school counselors are integral parts of his plan toprotect our children.

"After the Sandy Hook Elementary Schoolmassacre, the American people have demanded action from Congress so thatsenseless tragedies like this never happen again. I am proud to announce that Iwill soon be introducing legislation that will provide local law enforcementagencies with the resources to reduce the number of guns on the street and helpwith the safe disposal of unwanted firearms.

"I look forward to working withPresident Obama and the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to findsensible solutions to reduce gun violence."

Background

CongresswomanSánchez has been a longtime advocate of legislation that helps prevent gunviolence. In 2003, she introduced legislation to require gun sellers to enforcecurrent background check laws and be held accountable if they sold weapons toany person who is addicted to drugs or suffers from mental illness. She hasalso worked tirelessly to make sure schools are safe for our children. In 2011,Congresswoman Sánchez re-introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R.1648) which would require schools and school districts to ban bullying andharassment. In 2011, she also re-introduced the Put Schools Counselors WhereThey're Needed Act (H.R. 667), which would provide funding to schools forschool-based counseling and referral services to target students at risk andprovide them with the resources they need to succeed.

To view the President's comprehensive plan, click here.