SCHAKOWSKY HOSTS FIRST NATIONAL WOMEN'S FORUM ON GUN VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO, IL U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) hosted the first national women's forum on gun violence in Chicago today. This is the first of 16 forums scheduled to be held nationwide by women House members to develop strategies and build grassroots support to pass federal gun safety legislation this year.
Last month, the House failed to follow the Senate lead and pass legislation to close the gun show sales loophole, require child safety locks, and ban the importation of high-capacity ammunition clips.
"The House of Representatives last month put the interests of the gun lobby ahead of the interests of the millions of families who are demanding that Congress do the right thing. Families in Chicago, and throughout the nation are demanding that Congress pass sensible gun safety legislation this year," Schakowsky said.
"How many more tragedies must take place, how many more children must lose their lives, and how many more parents must prepare for another funeral before Washington says enough is enough?" Schakowsky asked. "That is why I am proud to join with my women House colleagues in this national grassroots campaign to convince the Congressional leadership to pass gun safety legislation this year without delay," she added.
Since Speaker Dennis Hastert is from Illinois, many speakers participating in today's forum suggested that this is an opportunity to get his cooperation in passing sensible gun safety legislation this year.
House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Representative Rod Blogajevich (D-IL), Illinois State House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn-Currie (D-IL) and other state and local officials attended the event. Law enforcement officials, gun control advocates, student activists and victims of gun violence also participated in today's forum.