Our Struggle for Gun Safety Will Continue, DeGette Says

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) vowed to keep up the drumbeat for common-sense gun safety measures that was started by Democrats' historic 26-hour sit-in on the House floor.

"Far too many lives are lost to gun violence in this country," DeGette said. "And for far too many years, those who object to sensible controls over access to extremely lethal firearms have had their way. But with recent events, we have reached a moment of truth.

"Congress has the opportunity now to vote on bipartisan, common-sense gun legislation that would tighten loopholes in background checks for firearm purchases and keep people who are on the terrorist watch list from buying guns. Rather than confront the issues head-on and allow votes on these two key bills, Republican House leadership chose in the dead of night to let their members slink out of town. But Democrats won't let this subject drop. We're taking the fight into our districts all across the country, and we're prepared to do whatever it takes when we reconvene."

DeGette is planning to carry on the discussion during the coming days with her constituents, who by the hundreds have been phoning her office in support of the Democrats' efforts and have engaged with her on social media by the thousands.

"This is a long-term effort," DeGette noted. "It's not just for a day. We will keep up the struggle, and with sufficient support from across the nation and enough political will, we will prevail."