WASHINGTON, DC — In the wake of two more deadly mass-shootings in recent days, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined Democratic colleagues in calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the Senate back into session this week to vote on legislation to strengthen gun background checks.  

The U.S. Senate is currently out of session for a month, but Senator Reed is urging Majority Leader McConnell to convene a session this week so Senators can vote on a background check bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in February. 

Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

“Congress can and should take action to prevent these assault-weapon mass-killing sprees.  It starts with stronger background checks and should include additional measures, like reinstating an assault weapons ban, to keep these military-grade weapons out of the wrong hands.  Historically speaking, the assault weapons ban has had bipartisan support and it will take bipartisan action to put a stop to these senseless mass-shootings. Weapons designed for the military have been used to kill children in schools, worshippers in houses of prayer, festivals, nightclubs, shopping centers, and everywhere else.  When will it be enough to say “no” to the NRA?”

“Majority Leader McConnell has to stop stone-walling a vote on commonsense gun safety reforms.  He should immediately call the Senate back into session and allow for debate and action to help prevent more deadly mass-shootings."