Congressman García Votes for Bipartisan Gun Safety Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC — Today Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) voted to pass theBipartisan Safer Communities Act,a gun violence prevention package that will help keep deadly weapons away from dangerous individuals and invest in school safety and mental health. The Congressman issued the following statement:

“My district, like other working class and immigrant communities across the country, is one of many that has suffered deeply from tragic gun violence. After countless unnecessary deaths and decades of frustrating inaction, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act brings some necessary changes to our gun laws.

“This legislation takes important steps toward getting dangerous guns off our streets by enhancing background checks for people under 21, keeping guns away from convicted domestic abusers, and promoting new state laws that limit access to firearms. It also invests in crucial services such as school-based mental health, community behavioral health clinics, and support after traumatic events.

“Unfortunately, these measures do not go nearly far enough. Enhanced background checks would have only prevented a small fraction of the tragic shootings our country has faced recently, and many of the bill’s provisions rely heavily on state enforcement—which is lacking in many places. Additionally, we must be vigilant that the enforcement mechanisms of this bill are not used to further criminalize Latino and Black communities disproportionately plagued by gun violence.

“This bill is an overdue step in the right direction, and I hope President Biden signs it into law as soon as possible. I also urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to take up further measures, like an assault weapons ban and universal background checks, that can help keep weapons of war away from our children and our communities.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed the Senate last night and will now head to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

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