On Anniversary of Parkland Shooting, Senator Hassan Reaffirms Urgent Need for Congress to Pass Common-Sense Reforms to Prevent Future Massacres

Senator Hassan: “Students in Parkland and Americans in communities across the country continue to speak out and advocate for reforms, and it is long past time for Congress to heed their calls.”

WASHINGTON – On the anniversary of the shooting last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Senator Maggie Hassan today reaffirmed the urgent need for Congress to pass common-sense reforms to prevent future massacres. 

As part of those efforts, this week Senator Hassan is joining in introducing the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act to encourage states to enact red flag laws that allow courts to issue time-limited restraining orders to restrict access to firearms when there is evidence that individuals are planning to harm themselves or others. Additionally this week, Senator Hassan is joining in introducing the Keep Americans Safe Act, which would ban gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds. These high-capacity magazines are designed for shooting en masse and have been used by many mass shooters.

“It is shameful that in the year since Parkland Congress still has not taken meaningful action to pass common-sense reforms that could help prevent future massacres like those in Parkland, Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and other cities across our country,” Senator Hassan said. “There are common-sense steps Congress can take now to protect our children, and all of our people, from senseless acts of gun violence, such as requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales, encouraging states to pass red flag laws, and banning high-capacity magazines. Students in Parkland and people across the country continue to speak out and advocate for reforms, and it is long past time for Congress to heed their calls.”

Earlier this year, Senator Hassan joined in reintroducing the Background Check Expansion Act, which would expand federal background checks to all gun sales. Last year, Senator Hassan voted to approve the bipartisan spending bill that made modest changes to curb gun violence in America, including making improvements to the background check system and clarifying that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can conduct research into gun violence.

###