“On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, I joined with my Assembly colleagues in solidarity with the National School Walkout. For 17 minutes, we solemnly remembered and honored the 17 students and educators who tragically lost their lives during the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, as well as the families, friends and loved ones mourning these unconscionable losses.

“Silence holds a power and gravity that words often fail to convey. Yet, while we are making it clear that we stand behind the students, educators, families and allies taking a stand, we must also take meaningful action. The victims deserve more than a few minutes of remembrance – they deserve change.

“In the Assembly, we’ve passed critical commonsense gun measures banning bump stocks (A.9958), keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and dangerous individuals with clear ‘red flags’ (A.5025, A.8976-B) and establishing longer waiting periods to ensure thorough background checks (A.2406).

“It’s time Congress took our cue and protected all Americans. Parents shouldn’t have to send their children to school worried that they won’t be safe. We can’t allow this to become the norm – we as lawmakers cannot become numb, and our families cannot be left to live in constant fear.”