NEW: Cicilline, Langevin Looking to Send Gun Violence Message at State of the Union Address

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

GoLocalProv News Team

In an effort to continue pushing for stronger gun safety laws following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn., Rhode Island’s two Representatives, Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, announced today that the pair will invite individuals “impacted by gun violence” to be their guests at President Obama’s State of the Union address next month.

In an open letter cosigned by fellow Representatives Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Langevin and Cicilline are asking their colleagues to do the same.

“The recent shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, were an unspeakable tragedy that shocked, saddened and united Americans across the country,” the letter read. “This horrific event also reignited an important debate over the role that we all must play in addressing gun violence in our society.

There have been more than 70 mass shootings in our country in the last two years alone, and gun-related violence continues to claim too many victims. In just the weeks since Newtown, over 400 people have been killed by guns in our communities. It is vital that we include the American public and give a voice to our constituents as we search for comprehensive solutions to this problem.”

Each member of Congress is allowed to bring a guest to sit in the House gallery during the President’s speech and Langevin and Cicilline hope their subtle gesture will send a not-so-subtle message to those watching the address.

“It is vital that we include the American public and give a voice to our constituents as we search for comprehensive solutions to this problem,” the group said. “In December, President Obama declared that addressing gun-related violence would be a ‘central issue’ as he opens his second term… It is our hope that their presence in the House Gallery will send a strong message that it is long past time to act.”