DeGette Joins Historic House Sit-In for Gun Violence Prevention

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana DeGette is taking a stand for Americans’ safety tonight by helping to sustain the historic sit-in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. More than 200 House and Senate Democrats have joined the effort over the course of the past ten-plus hours. They want to force the Republican leadership to act on legislation to prevent gun violence.

“Congress must contend with this issue and pass common-sense legislation to curb gun violence, whatever it takes,” DeGette said after spending all afternoon with colleagues at the sit-in and then defending the microphone this evening to keep the Republican leadership from ending the demonstration. “This is a moment of truth.”

The House has the opportunity to vote on two bipartisan bills – one tightening loopholes in background checks for firearm purchases, and the other preventing people on the terrorist watch list from buying guns. But House Republican leaders want to let their members leave Washington for an early summer break without confronting this critical national security issue.

“We have witnessed way too many tragedies in this country involving guns, including the mass shootings at Columbine and Aurora,” DeGette said. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the countless constituents who have been with me all day long, posting supportive messages on social media and calling to show their appreciation. We’re going to keep up this fight.”