Statement From BBT Executive Director Danielle Melfi on Passage of Bipartisan Senate Gun Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2022

BBT PRESS CONTACT: [email protected] 

STATEMENT FROM BBT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANIELLE MELFI ON PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN SENATE GUN BILL 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the U.S. Senate passed historic, bipartisan gun safety legislation to strengthen background checks for those under 21, address the “boyfriend loophole,” fund the implementation of “red flag” laws, invest in Community Violence Intervention Programs, and expand school safety and mental health programs, Building Back Together Executive Director Danielle Melfi released the following statement:

“Today, the Senate took a significant, bipartisan vote in support of legislation that will save lives, a positive step towards disrupting the cycle of gun violence in our communities. This breakthrough in the decades-long fight for gun safety reform could not have been possible without the vocal support and advocacy of the American people, particularly young activists, survivors, and families and communities of those lost to gun violence.  

“This historic vote comes just after an extreme ruling by the Supreme Court that jeopardizes gun safety laws nationwide at a time when we need concrete action to reduce gun violence and save lives more than ever. This decision will make communities across the country less safe and will have a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Conservatives on the Court proved yet again that they are far out of step with the vast majority of Americans across the political spectrum – gun owners and non-gun owners alike – who want strong, common-sense gun safety laws.

“President Biden and members of Congress are answering Americans’ calls for action. President Biden has already taken more executive action to prevent gun violence than any other president during his first year in office — and he is ready to sign the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act when Congress sends it to his desk, fulfilling his promise to families in Uvalde, Texas, Buffalo, New York, and countless other communities across the country to prevent future tragedies.”

###