Scott Statement on President's Plan to Reduce Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), a vice chair of the House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, issued the following statement on the President's plan to reduce gun violence:

"I commend the President for releasing his proposal to address gun violence. The President, Vice President, and the members of the House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force all agree that we need a comprehensive approach to reduce and prevent gun violence. The President's proposed executive actions will be a critical and necessary improvement to the administration of current laws. However, it is incumbent on Congress to act to amend the law to require background checks for all gun sales, reinstate the ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and ensure that gun traffickers are held responsible for helping place guns into the hands of criminals.

"During the next several weeks, I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Thompson and my colleagues on the Task Force to examine the President's proposals and the proposals of others. We will continue meeting with stakeholders on every side of this issue. Next Tuesday, I will co-host a youth violence prevention summit. This summit will highlight the importance and effectiveness of a comprehensive, evidenced-based approach to addressing youth violence by gathering testimony from numerous experts in the fields of juvenile and criminal justice, mental health, education, child development and law enforcement.

"I fully expect that our Task Force will develop a comprehensive, evidenced-based set of policy proposals that will help keep our communities safe from gun violence."

# # #