Statement on House Democratic Gun Violence Task Force

Washington, DC (January 8, 2013) — Today Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on being part of the House Democratic Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Task Force:

"I'm honored to be part of the House Democratic Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and look forward to examining how we can address gun violence prevention. In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting massacre — and in the midst of thousands of gun homicides every year — inaction is unacceptable.

"Chicago ended 2012 with a record-breaking 506 homicides, a 16% increase from the previous year, 87% of those were deaths by a gun. How many more innocent lives will continue to be lost, how many more parents must make funeral arrangements and how many more times will the interests of the National Rifle Association leadership outweigh the interests of the American people? Enough is enough.

"Families around the nation demand that Congress pass sensible gun violence prevention legislation. The time to act is now and I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect the safety of all Americans."