Costa Statement on Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after a gunman killed multiple students and adults at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

"My heart breaks for the community of Uvalde. These mass shootings are senseless, and we must do all we can to prevent them from happening again and again. We've watched too many parents, children and teachers suffer. How many more innocent people must die before we enact reasonable common-sense gun reforms that include background checks and stop the proliferation of assault weapons? The House passed legislation. It's time for the Senate to act."

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the following bills to close loopholes and enact background checks:

• H.R. 8 – Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would require a background check for every firearm sale.

• H.R. 1446 - Enhanced Background Checks Act, which would strengthen background check requirements applicable to proposed firearm transfers from a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a licensed gun dealer) to an unlicensed person.

• Reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which enacted the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Denial Notification Act to help state law enforcement investigate and prosecute cases against individuals legally prohibited from purchasing firearms who try to do so.

For victim resources on mass shootings, please visit the Sandy Hook Promise organization.

Congressman Costa is co-founder and chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus works alongside allied organizations to identify, address, and elevate the needs of crime survivors through legislation, education, and public awareness. It also provides resources to members of Congress to help connect crime victims with local advocates who can provide needed assistance.