The people demand action on gun violence

Shock.

Pain.

Anger.

Determination.

Those are the emotions we have all felt since we learned of the children murdered in Uvalde, Texas almost exactly one month ago.

And it is that last one – determination – that drives me today. In the House, we have already passed a series of big, bold reforms to reduce gun violence.

In the Senate, this week we saw encouraging signs of progress. My colleague Sen. Chris Murphy has been working on a set of reforms that are both meaningful enough to make a difference but modest enough to win the support of at least 10 Republicans and overcome the filibuster. On Tuesday, a measure to pave the way for these reforms to be put to a final vote in the Senate received 64 votes. The final Senate vote may happen as soon as this week. If enacted, this package of reforms would become the first major legislation on gun safety since 1994.

While these reforms, known as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, do not go as far as many Democrats – including me – would prefer, they will save lives. If the Senate passes the bill, and I am cautiously optimistic that it will, I will support it and keep up the fight to do more.

One thing I know: Absolutely nothing will get done unless the American people demand it. I was so heartened to see so many thousands of Americans join public rallies to demand an end to gun violence.

I joined friends and neighbors at the March for our Lives rally in Everett. Public events like this make it clear to everyone – we must take action. We cannot let our children down.

Rick Larsen