Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the reintroduction of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act.
“Gun safety is an issue that is deeply personal for me,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Universal background checks are supported by over 90% of Americans. This is not a partisan issue. This is a commonsense solution to a problem that effects every community across the country. I thank my colleague Congressman Mike Thompson for this leadership in the House and Senator Chris Murphy for his tireless work in the Senate. I would also like to thank the incredible advocates in my district and across the state of Connecticut who have made this day possible. I look forward to this vital legislation being considered on the floor of the House and Senate and being signed into law by President Biden.”
“While still grieving our children and loved ones in the aftermath of their murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we worked tirelessly to try to pass Universal Background Checks. We did this because this bill is a necessary first legislative step to ensuring that no more families experience the excruciating pain of losing a child to gun violence,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, and father of Daniel who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. “Eight years later, we again call on every member of Congress to do their part to protect our children from gun violence: vote to pass Universal Background Checks immediately. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
Federal law already requires licensed gun dealers to conduct background checks on gun purchasers and transferees. H.R. 8 extends the requirement of background checks to unlicensed gun sellers, including those who sell guns online or at gun shows.
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Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.