BREAKING: House Democrats Respond to Governor’s Firearm Vetoes
Governor refuses to do anything to stop #1 killer of children
March 26, 2024
RICHMOND, VA – Today Governor Youngkin continued his tear on public safety by vetoing common-sense gun safety bills designed to strengthen public safety and prevent community violence. In the face of Virginians who overwhelmingly support common sense gun reform, Youngkin remains committed to keeping dangerous individuals armed and our communities in jeopardy. These vetoes establish him as the governor who has vetoed the most bills during his tenure as governor – a whopping 121 total – building on his legacy of extreme partisanship and keeping Virginia beholden to the gun lobby.
“Gun violence continues to ravage our communities. Whether a domestic partner has access to a gun and makes good on their threats, or a curious child has one within reach – we know that the end of so much suffering can only be achieved when we finally do something about guns,” Speaker Don Scott said. “Last week, I joined Attorney General Mirayes at a bipartisan press conference about Operation Ceasefire and its goal of ending gun violence before it starts. These vetoes remove the tools necessary to support those efforts.”
Speaker Don Scott continued, “Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. We were sent to Richmond to end the epidemic of gun violence. MAGA Republicans have refused to act and protect our children, and Virginians will hold them accountable in November.”
“I am ashamed of the Governor’s vetoes today,” said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring. “I have heard countless stories from members in my community that have asked us, their elected representatives, to do more to help protect our children and our communities… to stop the flow of guns. Youngkin and Virginia Republicans across the state ran on a platform claiming to be ‘tough on crime,’ yet refuse to acknowledge they need to join us to stem the tide of gun violence. The Governor’s vetoes today will allow for assault weapons to continue to be sold throughout our community and Virginian’s to be at-risk to the scourge of gun violence.”
“As a parent of five children, everyday I share the worry, unique to American parents, that today might be the last day I say goodbye to them as they head to school. The Governor’s actions do nothing to help me and countless other parents who are concerned for our children’s safety on a daily basis,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Kathy Tran. “By bowing down to the NRA, Republicans in Virginia threaten the safety and prosperity of our communities across the commonwealth.”
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