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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement Following House Passage of H.R. 8 – the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019

February 28, 2019

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PRESS PICTURE

For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Chand

February 27, 2019 (202) 225–3816

Press Statement

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement Following House Passage of H.R. 8 – the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019

Jackson Lee—"Our country is awash in guns and the American people are demanding that action to be taken to curb the scourge of gun violence in our country. This is why commonsense background checks legislation is so vital. H.R. 8 is so designated because it was introduced exactly eight years after my colleague, Gabby Giffords, was seriously wounding during a mass shooting at a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona, which left six persons killed and over a dozen injured. Through her bravery, courage and leadership, Gabby Giffords helped lead the charge that made this day possible."

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget released this statement following House passage of H.R. 8:

"For the first time in many decades, earlier today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. When enacted into law, H.R. 8 would require background checks on all firearm sales. For example, the bill closes the gun show loophole, that reality of federal law that exempts background checks by private retailers, common at gun shows. This principle enjoys wide, bipartisan support.

Our country is awash in guns and the American people are demanding that action to be taken to curb the scourge of gun violence in our country. This is why commonsense background checks legislation is so vital. H.R. 8 is so designated because it was introduced exactly eight years after my colleague, Gabby Giffords, was seriously wounding during a mass shooting at a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona, which left six persons killed and over a dozen injured. Through her bravery, courage and leadership, Gabby Giffords helped lead the charge that made this day possible. I commend all who helped make today a reality, including the tireless advocacy of Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety and the brave survivors of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, whose courage and determination last year organized the March for our Lives.

"I commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor and my colleagues for supporting it. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation—which is backed by overwhelming majorities of the American people—and for the President to sign it into law."

Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat representing the 18th Congressional District of Texas, is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget. She is a Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.