Cases of senseless gun violence happen every single day across America, tragically affecting our communities, our schools, even our children in their own homes. I believe we must work together to enact safe, sensible gun policy that will help reduce gun violence in this country, while preserving our constitutional right to bear arms.

As a member of Congress, I will pursue common-sense gun policy, including initiatives such as the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act, the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act, and reinstatement of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act: Representative Carolyn McCarthy has introduced the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act, which restricts the production and possession of military style gun clips. I will support enacting this legislation. These large capacity clips have resulted in unnecessary gun violence and there is no need for them to be legal.

Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2011: I believe it is crucially important that Congress act to pass federal legislation that will close the gun show loophole, strengthening the system of background checks required for all other retail gun purchases. Nearly half of all guns sold in this country are done so without proper oversight. Closing this loophole will help reduce the sales of guns by unlicensed sellers to convicted felons and domestic abusers.

Reinstating the Federal Assault Weapons Ban: In 1994 President Clinton and Congress instated a federal ban on assault weapons, restricting access to highly-lethal, military-style weapons. Unfortunately, when this ten-year ban expired President Bush and the Republican controlled Congress failed to renew the ban. Since the ban expired, law enforcement agencies across the country reported increases in assault weapons used in crime and used against them. I strongly believe we must reinstate the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in order to help bring gun violence under control.