Following the State of the Union, Blumenthal Joins Survivors & Advocates to Demand Action on Gun Violence

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), gun violence survivors, victims’ families, and advocates to demand action on America’s gun violence epidemic. The press conference was held following President Biden’s State of the Union Address last night, during which he discussed the violent epidemic that resulted in nearly 45,000 American deaths last year alone.

“The victims and survivors are tired of waiting. They’re tired of words. Waiting and words – not enough. Even in a presidential speech, not enough,” said Blumenthal.

“There’s no secret about where the American people stand on this issue. The vast majority of the American people want sensible common sense measures to stop gun violence. Only Congress is failing to get the message.” 

While the House of Representatives passed bipartisan measures last year expanding and strengthening background checks, the Senate has failed to take action. Blumenthal has led legislation that would improve background checks by closing the Charleston Loophole, ban ghost guns, require safe storage of firearms through Ethan’s Law, and repeal the gun industry’s sweeping immunity. He has also cosponsored legislation that would ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines and legislation that would invest in critical community-violence intervention programs.

“We’re going to hold legislators accountable, and make sure that they know these advocates and survivors are tired of waiting. And yes, the administration can and should do more,” Blumenthal said.

“Ultimately what will get us across the finish line on these proposals is the courage and perseverance of the survivors and victims. They have so inspired us with their courage and strength day after day, year after year. They live with the losses and the thousands of innocent people who have perished give us the kind of impetus we need.”

Video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here and here.

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