Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement in Support of the Protecting Our Kids Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 7910, the Protecting Our Kids Act.

The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat, as prepared for delivery:

"Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protecting Our Kids Act, overdue legislation that will tighten gun regulations. Unfortunately, in the world’s wealthiest nation, we have the 32nd-highest rate of deaths from gun violence in the world. This is a horrific statistic that is impacting all of our districts, red or blue.

"In my district, gun violence has taken the lives of one to many. This includes the brutal murder of Krystal Bayron-Nieves in East Harlem, the killings of Officers Rivera and Mora in Harlem, and an 11-month-old was a gunshot victim in The Bronx, yes, AN 11-MONTH-OLD.

"Madam Speaker I am here to tell my colleagues on the other side of the isle that this epidemic is serious, in fact, it is a public health crisis that warrants a whole of government approach to address this national crisis. For this reason, Congresswoman Escobar and I urge our colleagues to join our resolution declaring Gun Violence a National Public Health Crisis.

"We must commit to end the gun violence public health crisis so that all people can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Colleagues, we must prevent another Parkland and Uvalde from happening ever again. Our children are dying, where do you draw the line?

"I commend House leadership for bringing the Protecting Our Kids Act to a vote today. Among many great gun violence prevention measures, it will regulate ghost guns which I have been calling for since 2017 and will allow local governments to use grants for buyback programs which have proven to be effective in getting guns off our street.

"I urge my colleagues to vote YAY to protect our nation. Thank you and I yield."