"I welcome the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and applaud the progress made by the United States Senate in advancing much-needed gun safety legislation. Our country is best when our leaders come together and act on behalf of all Americans. I commend the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators who are bold enough to stand up to the gun lobby and take meaningful action to reduce gun violence in our communities.

For far too long, the rhetoric surrounding the gun debate has been dominated by excessive fearmongering by extremists and their sympathizers, which has led to decades of legislative inaction. Because of that inaction, we have witnessed people who do not value the sanctity of life take advantage of the ease of access to guns and senselessly take the lives of thousands of Americans in schools, churches, grocery stores, theaters, and countless other places where they should have been safe.

Enough is enough. I urge the Senate and House of Representatives to quickly pass this legislation, and I remain hopeful that this is the first step to additional common-sense gun reforms.”