Foster Statement on National Gun Violence Walkout

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement for the national gun violence walkout:

"I applaud these students for speaking out against Congress's inaction on gun control. Their courage and conviction reminds us that we cannot and should not watch idly as our schools turn into scenes of mass causalities. We send our children to school to learn new things, make new friends, and prepare for the future. Too many times, we have seen them run away from their classrooms with their hands above their head, fleeing in fear. We cannot accept this reality as a normal part of a new era in our country's history. I applaud the administrators and teachers who support these students and their right to exercise freedom of speech.

There are commonsense gun reforms Congress can pass so that schools can remain places of learning. I support a ban on assault weapons, expanded background checks, and an end to the gun show loophole. Congress should also authorize the Centers for Disease Control to study gun violence as a public health crisis so we can understand gun violence and its effects on our country. These students and all Americans deserve representatives in Congress who are ready to make the necessary changes to keep them safe."