Cohen Statement on NRA Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement after the National Rifle Association (NRA) made its announcement concerning recent gun violence:
“The NRA isn’t going far enough to curb gun violence in America. I own a firearm – I support the 2nd Amendment – and I authored the concealed carry law in Tennessee. But I do not support having assault weapons or high-capacity magazines on our streets. We must do a better job of screening those who want to purchase firearms and also invest more in mental health to better prevent gun violence. The NRA is powerful because of ultra-conservative Republicans who refuse to compromise on legislation that prevents gun violence and increases the safety of everyone, including those who do not own a gun.
“The suggestion by the NRA that we should have armed security guards in schools does not address the Tucson shooting where Gabbie Giffords was shot. Nor does it address the shooting in Portland. Does the NRA want armed guards at every shopping center in America too? Wayne LaPierre’s suggestion for more guns and bullets sounds like Robert Heinlein who said ‘An armed society is a polite society.’ If the NRA truly wants to increase gun safety in America, then they will work with Democrats and the President’s task force to pass reasonable, logical and workable protections for the benefit of the public.”