Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell spoke out regarding gun legislation that cleared the State Senate Appropriations committee today by a vote of 5-2, just a week after the Orlando shooting claimed the lives of 49 people, making it the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. The bill will proceed to the Senate floor, awaiting a debate and vote among the entire State Senate.
The legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), seeks to eliminate a loophole that allows gun parts to be sold or exchanged while remaining untraceable to law enforcement.
“I am concerned that we currently cannot track the extent of this problem, but the sooner we start the more of these untraceable guns we can take off the streets,” said Assemblymember Gipson in a statement.
Long Beach’s O’Donnell said he was fully supportive of any legislation aimed at decreasing the availability of guns among criminals.
“I support efforts to get guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals,” said O’Donnell. “As a parent and teacher, it is heartbreaking to see young lives cut short from gun violence whether it be from gang activity, mental illness or terrorism. The nation is crying out for change on this issue and California is stepping up to take the lead.”
Last week, Congresswoman Janice Hahn issued a similar statement, calling upon Congress to compromise and vote on legislation aimed at deterring gun violence in the U.S.
“Moments of silence are not enough to honor the victims we have lost and do nothing to protect us from future attacks,” she stated last week. “I am calling on Speaker Ryan to finally allow us to vote on legislation to ban military style assault weapons and prevent suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms.”