Rep. Smucker: Statement on the Tragedy in Uvalde, Texas

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement in response to the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas:

"I am absolutely heartbroken about the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

As a father of three children, I cannot begin to imagine the trauma these students and their families endured. As we continue to learn more about the victims, our hearts go out to the families of those who were lost. Moreover, ensuring the safety of our students must be a top priority. Our children should always feel safe when attending school. We can and should be routinely evaluating security protocols so that schools remain a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment.

We should do all that we can to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who wish to do harm to others or themselves. The House of Representatives previously passed bipartisan legislation - with my support - that increased funding for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This funding will help states clear backlogs to ensure prohibited individuals are not able to purchase firearms from a federally licensed retailer, in accordance with current law.

Congress must come together to engage in serious conversation about how to reduce gun violence in an evidence-based and meaningful way."

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