Rep. Chu Calls for Renewed Push for Background Checks, Mental Health Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the tragic shooting that took place over the weekend in Isla Vista, California:

“Once again, the conscience of this nation has been shocked, and the lives of innocent Americans were cut short by senseless and preventable gun violence,” said Rep. Chu. “As we all hold the victims and their families in our thoughts, we owe them more than our sympathy – we owe them action.

“This violence is not new to our society – we have seen it time and again, from Columbine to Aurora, Sandy Hook to Isla Vista,” Chu continued. “And we have seen what inaction leads to: more senseless violence.

“There is no excuse for Congressional paralysis when the overwhelming majority of Americans support reasonable gun laws that include background and mental health checks. There is no excuse for inaction when places of tranquility are turned into war zones, and our children are caught in the crossfire. There is no excuse for letting the next massacre take place without at least trying to stop it. The next victims are alive today – Congress needs to act immediately to keep it that way.”

###