WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently joined his Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of reducing gun violence as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
“Too many Colorado communities have been devastated by gun violence,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Whether it was passing universal background checks in Colorado or helping pass the first major federal gun safety law in nearly 30 years, we’ve proven that commonsense protections save lives. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities safe.”
The resolution honors victims and survivors of gun violence and commends the Americans working to prevent it. It voices support for expanded investment in evidence-informed strategies, victim services, improved crime data, stronger homicide and shooting clearance rates, law enforcement partnerships, and de-escalation training.
“Every single person across this nation deserves to live in safe communities and live without the ever-present fear of gun violence. We should be able to go to our churches, grocery stores, malls, and schools without the fear of being shot. That is my dream for the next 250 years of America. It’s what America deserves,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must renew our commitment to the unfinished work of building a country where every person can live safely and free from the fear of gun violence,” said Senator Booker. “Each year, tens of thousands of lives are taken by this epidemic. Behind every number is a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. This resolution honors all those impacted by gun violence and calls on us to continue the urgent work of creating a safer America for every generation.”
“Every day, thousands of Americans go to school, work, or their places of worship with the fear of being shot. As we continue working to enact commonsense gun safety legislation and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, we must do everything in our power to protect our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we mark our country’s 250th birthday, this resolution reaffirms the importance of fighting for a future where every person in our country can live free from the fear of gun violence.”
“America has a gun problem. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to advancing commonsense gun safety reforms to ensure Americans don’t have to live in fear of being targets of gun violence at school, work, or their places of worship,” said Senator Padilla.
“Too many lives have been lost and families shattered by gun violence – something that’s become too routine despite the horror and senselessness of these acts. As our nation recognizes its 250th anniversary, Congress can and must act to prevent more tragedies. With this resolution, we honor victims and survivors and recommit ourselves to supporting investments to put an end to this violence,” said Senator Schiff.
“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to take stock of the great challenges we face as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the progress we have made in this country over the years. For too long, Republicans have stood in the way of our efforts to take meaningful steps to address gun violence, and this Administration has only made matters worse. The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our communities, taking thousands of American lives every year. That’s why we must continue fighting for common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of country we want to build for future generations. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will come home safely from school, and no community should have to live under the constant threat of gun violence,” said Rep. Min. “Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility and we must continue working to save lives.”
“Each year, our nation loses nearly 50,000 Americans to gun violence, and tens of thousands more become gun violence survivors. These tragedies have lasting traumatic and economic impacts on our communities. Fighting this epidemic means passing strong gun laws that save lives,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “As we mark our nation’s 250th year, we cannot forget about the children, parents, and communities across the country who deserve to live safely and free from gun violence.”
Hickenlooper helped form the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus in the Senate where he is committed to ending the nationwide epidemic of gun violence. Hickenlooper supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded red flag laws, closed the boyfriend loophole, expanded background checks for young gun purchasers, and made historic investments in community-based mental health and violence prevention programs.
Hickenlooper is also a co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, the Background Check Expansion Act, the Equal Access to Justice of Gun Violence Act, and Ethan’s Law. As Governor, Hickenlooper enacted universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines after the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in Colorado.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
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