WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who joined President Biden for today’s announcement of new executive orders to combat gun violence, issued the statement below:

“The United States is the only developed country in the world where gun violence is a public health emergency. We kill each other with guns 297 times more often than the Japanese, 49 times more often than the French, and 33 times more often than the Israelis. For the last quarter century, Republicans in Congress have refused to do anything to stop this bloodshed. It’s a disgrace.”

“I was honored to join President Biden for today’s announcement. The actions he is taking will make a real difference in the lives of the American people. The Senate should follow the House's lead and pass the legislation we sent them last month to enact universal background checks (H.R. 8) and close the Charleston loophole (H.R. 1446), both of which enjoy overwhelming public support. In addition, Congress should heed the President's call and pass the Assault Weapons Ban.”