Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that Member-Elect Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) has joined the Task Force for the 116th Congress.
“In the 7th District, and across the country, the epidemic of gun violence continues to steal lives and result in trauma that impacts entire communities. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we must treat it as such. I was elected to Congress with a mandate to be a bold advocate and fight for common sense solutions that take guns off our streets and address the lasting effects of trauma,” said Member-Elect Pressley. “I am encouraged that Leader Pelosi has committed to make comprehensive background checks a legislative priority early in the next Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and in partnership with community, to advance real solutions for residents of the 7th District.”
“As a councilwoman, Ayanna worked closely with her community to tackle the epidemic of gun violence and I am proud to welcome her leadership to our Task Force,” said Member-Elect Thompson. “With her tenacity and experience, I know we can get to work on day one of the new Congress to pass legislation to help keep our communities safer and make a lasting difference with our constituents.”
Member-Elect Pressley made tackling issues of violence and trauma a cornerstone of her efforts on the Boston City Council. She led the effort to pass resolutions calling for the repeal of the Dickey Amendment and denouncing concealed carry reciprocity. She is a founding member of LIPSTICK, Ladies Involved in Putting a Stop to Inner-City Killing, and specifically named "trauma" in the description of the Committee on Healthy Women, Families, and Communities, which she founded after joining the Boston City Council. Every year, she hosts Jump Into Peace, a community event aimed at promoting peace and ending violence. She continues to work with other elected officials, community members, law enforcement, activists, and advocates to find lasting solutions to the challenges of violence and trauma.