Norton Says No Moment of Silence on House Floor for Parkland Shooting Victims Shows Republicans Know They Are Complicit Through Their Continued Inaction

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement after the House of Representatives adjourned for a week today without holding a moment of silence for the victims of yesterday's tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

"My heart goes out to family and friends of the victims of yesterday's horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida after another senseless attack brought terror to a place where students and teachers should feel safest. Since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, the House of Representatives has held more than 40 moments of silence for victims of mass shootings. Because Republicans have no intention of taking action to prevent gun violence, they apparently now fear the public backlash they would receive from even expressing sympathy for the victims of yesterday's shooting. By not even considering pending background checks bills, which have near universal support among the American people, Republicans have become complicit in the violence. Worse yet, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Tom Garrett (R-VA) introduced bills to wipe out the District Columbia's gun safety laws and permit assault rifles and high-capacity magazines in the nation's capital. I have successfully fought to defeat each and every attempt to eliminate our gun safety laws and, particularly given yesterday's tragedy, I am confident these dangerous provisions will not be attached to D.C.'s appropriations bill."