Rep. Don Beyer Statement on Oregon Mass Shooting

October 1, 2015 (Washington, DC) – Congressman Don Beyer released the following statement in the wake of today’s shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon:”Speaker Boehner wants to ‘clear the barn’ in his last month in office, he said.  Today’s tragedy in Oregon reminds us of an opportunity for him:  It is within the Speaker’s power to bring a common-sense bill on gun violence prevention to the House floor.  In doing so, he could bypass the intractable House Judiciary Committee, where the Chairman tables all such proposals that might stem the tide of gun violence.  How many communities must continue to live in fear of these tragedies before we do something?
“This week, 147 members of the U.S. House – Democrat and Republican – sent Speaker Boehner a letter asking for consideration of just one of nearly 100 bills that can protect innocent lives. Expanding background checks and keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and criminals are practical reforms that a majority of Americans support.  I call on him today to allow a vote on legislation to prevent such tragedies.
“Far too often we are heartbroken by the news of another tragic shooting.  It was only four weeks ago that a gunman killed an on-air TV reporter and her cameraman in Southwest Virginia.  My heart goes out to all the victims, families, and friends impacted by today’s horrific shooting.”