This has been an eventful week in our campaign to prevent gun violence. Yesterday, I attend the Senate Judiciary Committee's first hearing on changes to our gun laws. The hearing was very moving and included a JCPA friend former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, her husband Captain Mark Kelly, and NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. Several bills have been introduced and we have joined a broad range of organizations in a national coalition to focus our efforts.
Yesterday we also launched the start of the JCPA's Twitter campaign urging the Senate to #VoteOnGuns. While yesterday's hearing is an encouraging sign, an actual vote on the comprehensive approach we all have called for is uncertain. If you use twitter, join us and a coalition of other national organizations to tweet at Senators Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) and Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging them to move quickly and ensure a #VoteonGuns.
There are other ways to stay involved as well. Join Elyssa Koidin, our Deputy Policy Director, Domestic Concerns for a lobby day on the Hill to build support for two bills. Support us virtually by supporting Senator Dianne Feinstein's effort to end access to military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines and Senator Frank Lautenberg's bill to ban high capacity ammunition magazines holding more than ten rounds. It is easy to join us, by clicking here.
Also, you can also take part in the February 4th Faiths Calling call-in day to Congress. Sponsored by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, this project is a way of showing the faith community's unity and commitment to preventing gun violence. It is pretty easy, just call 1-888-897-0174 on Monday, February 4. More details can be found at www.faithscalling.org.
As always, I encourage you to continue to stay informed through our Facebook page and encourage others to sign the petition at www.endgunviolencenow.org
Sincerely,
Jared