Tragedy at Umpqua Community College

Like every Oregonian and American, I am horrified and deeply saddened about the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College today. My thoughts are with the Roseburg community, the victims, and all those affected by this tragic event. We face this situation all too often, and it must end. Thoughts and prayers are not enough; we must do more to prevent gun violence.

This is not an unsolvable problem. People across the country should hold accountable any policymaker who refuses to take action to reduce and prevent gun violence. Children, young adults, parents, teachers, and students are dying at the hands of individuals who can and should be prevented from owning a gun.

Just this morning I joined 146 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in a letter to Speaker Boehner imploring him to bring gun violence prevention legislation to the floor of the House for a vote. It is unconscionable for Members of Congress to sit idly by as tragedies like this unfold.