Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) issued the following statement on the National Rifle Association’s advertisement featuring Speaker Mike Johnson.
“Only a few days after the tragic mass shooting in Maine and a deadly Halloween weekend, the NRA posted a video featuring the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson criticizing popular gun violence prevention policies such as universal background checks and waiting periods,” said Thompson. “As the recent mass shooting in Maine has reminded us yet again, the need for universal background checks, red flag laws, and other gun violence prevention policies will save lives.
“Speaker Johnson should disavow the NRA’s callous ad which is an insult to gun violence victims, and work with Democrats to pass common sense gun violence legislation which are proven to save lives. Universal background checks are constitutional, completely consistent with the 2nd Amendment, and are supported by a majority of Democrats, Independents, Republicans and even NRA members.
“Everyday background checks stop more than 160 felons and 50 domestic abusers from getting a gun from a federally licensed dealer. Universal background checks are supported by over 90 percent of Americans. The only place that background checks are partisan is the United States Congress. It’s time for Speaker Johnson to end the toxic relationship with the NRA and step up to help save the lives of Americans.”