NEWTOWN, CT — This afternoon, the U.S. House joined the Senate in voting to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a gun safety package that addresses the rising rates of gun violence nationwide. The new law includes enhanced background checks for buyers under the age of 21, partially closing the dating loophole (aka the “boyfriend” loophole), funding to support states in implementing extreme risk protection orders, and additional funding for mental health services and school safety.
Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, issued the following statement, in response:
“Our lawmakers chose protecting our children and communities over partisan politics. We thank the Senate leaders who worked diligently to negotiate the Safer Communities Act, including Connecticut Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, as well as Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.
“In passing this landmark bill, the House and Senate have proven that we can protect the Second Amendment and save lives. This is a significant step forward in addressing the gun violence epidemic in the U.S. We encourage lawmakers across the country to continue to implement and expand proven, common-sense reforms that can be immediately put to work to protect our children and communities.”
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The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.