Norton Says D.C. Shares Special Bond with Sandy Hook Riders as They Embark on 400-Mile Journey to Newtown, CT
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today helped send off Team 26, a group of 26 cyclists inspired to action after the loss of 20 first-graders and six teachers in the tragic 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, as they embarked on a 400-mile ride from the District of Columbia to Newtown. They will be stopping at cities along the way to make the case for taking action to pass commonsense legislation to prevent gun violence. In the previous two years, Norton has welcomed Team 26 to the District after their journey from Newtown.
Norton's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.
"Team 26 Captain and Founder, Monte Frank, and Team 26 bike riders, it moves me and the residents of the District of Columbia to have you here today. We have had the privilege of welcoming you here every time you have ridden to the District, and this time you are starting your journey from the District. Wherever you begin, we know where you are going—on a journey to end gun violence in America by fighting for commonsense gun safety reforms supported by the overwhelming majority of the American people. The people of the District of Columbia are with you on this journey and in this fight. We need the tireless efforts of Team 26 to remind the nation of the true cost of inaction, and you inspire us to fight on.
"We in the District of Columbia are especially pleased to host Team 26 each year, and I am proud to say our city has forged a special bond with you. Last Congress, there were eight attempts by Republicans to wipe out District gun safety laws. Already this year, Representative Tom Garrett (R-VA) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) have introduced bills to eliminate our gun safety laws and turn the nation's capital into a virtual Wild West of guns. You can imagine how close we feel to Team 26 as we fight not only to save our own jurisdiction's gun safety laws, but to push for national reforms, such as universal background checks, that would further protect our residents from the scourge of gun violence. Each year, our city gets used by Republicans as a political pawn for the gun lobby. We will continue to work together with all of our brothers and sisters in this movement to once and for all bring sanity to our country's gun laws. Although Team 26 begins their journey today, this is not the end of our fight—it is another important beginning. You have left your mark on this city and on the Congress today."