Meng Welcomes President's Executive Action on Gun Control

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today issued the following statement commending President Obama's move to curb gun violence.

"I commend the President for using his authority to implement tougher gun restrictions for our country. As a member of the House, I would have preferred that Congress pass improved gun laws. But with Republican leaders still refusing to act, the President had no choice but to take these actions that are well within his authority.

The wave of mass shootings – and many other instances of gun violence – around the country has been horrifying, and this President had the guts to say ‘enough.'

It is clear that something must be done to address the terrible and senseless tragedies caused by guns. Continuing to sit by and do nothing is unconscionable and unacceptable.

The measures being implemented by the President are commonsense initiatives for which I've advocated and supported. While his actions won't prevent all gun violence, it will certainly save lives.

Although the President deserves praise for his decision, more work to improve gun safety remains. Despite the roadblocks, we must not abandon our efforts to further strengthen the nation's gun laws, and I for one will continue to keep up the fight."

The House Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force consists of lawmakers tasked with examining steps that Congress can take to reduce and prevent gun violence. It was established by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) after the Newtown tragedy.