House-work

While we track down the votes to get a stronger background check bill through the Senate, the House of Representatives is considering the same legislation. But it won’t go anywhere without bipartisan backing so please urge your Representative to “co-sponsor” the bill. Here’s a little about how it works.

Q: Isn’t there a background check bill in the House of Representatives?
A: Yes. The same bill the Senate nearly passed is making its way through the House of Representatives. Here is a fact sheet about the bill.

Q: How can I find out if my Representative supports this bill?
A: Look for your Representative on this list of co-sponsors. If your Rep. is on the list, please call to thank him or her. If not, call to ask him or her to co-sponsor the bill.

Q: What can I do to help? Will my Representative even listen to me?
A: Call your Representatives! We hear over and over again that the minority voices on the other side call Washington 5-10 times more often than we do. Congress thinks that’s America. That’s one reason people think the first Senate vote failed in April. Don’t let that happen again. Call now. The 22-year-old receptionist on the end of the line will tally every call for and against stronger common-sense gun laws. Your voice matters.

For Representatives not yet committed to co-sponsor:

Hello, I am constituent and I am calling to ask Representative _______________ to support gun safety legislation. In particular, I am asking [him/her] to co-sponsor the King-Thompson bill, H.R. 1565, which would expand background checks to the sale of guns at gun shows and over the Internet. This is common sense and supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. Please record my views so that Representative ____________ knows that [his/her] constituents expect [him/her] to vote in favor of families, not the gun lobby. Thank you.

For Representatives already committed to co-sponsor:

Hello, I am constituent and I am calling to thank Representative _______________ for supporting gun safety legislation. In particular, I am grateful to [him/her] for co-sponsor the King-Thompson bill, H.R. 1565, which would expand background checks to the sale of guns at gun shows and over the Internet. This is common sense and supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. Please record my views so that Representative ____________ knows that [his/her] constituents are noting [his/her] support for families, not the gun lobby. Thank you.