LULAC Supports Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence as a Positive Measure, Calls on Congress to Pass Bipartisan Reforms to Save Lives

January 8, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, the Obama Administration announced a series of executive actions designed to help deter gun violence in our country. Some of the key measures included requiring gun dealers in the business of selling guns, whether in a store, at gun shows, or over the Internet, to acquire a license and conduct background checks. In addition, steps are being taken to permit state agencies to share information with the FBI regarding individuals who should be prohibited from possessing guns based on specific mental health reasons.

“We have an epidemic in our country when every year more than 30,000 people are killed as a result of gun violence,” said LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr. “Some of these deaths could be prevented by additional background checks to help further ensure that guns do not fall into the hands of the mentally ill and individuals with a criminal history. While I believe in the Second Amendment and am a proud gun owner, I also believe that there are ways to protect our right to bear arms while ensuring public safety."

In addition, the President is directing three federal agencies to increase their efforts to research and develop smart gun technology.

“In the U.S., children are 9 times more likely to die in gun accidents than children anywhere else in the developed world," said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "This harsh reality underscores the fact that something must be done to reduce the number of guns available to the public and to make those that are legally sold safer through the application of advanced technology. While the President’s executive actions represent a commonsense effort to reduce gun violence, ultimately Congress needs to pass bipartisan reforms that will dramatically reduce gun violence that takes the lives of more than 3 people per hour on average in the U.S.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.