Gun Violence

Each time there’s a mass shooting, citizens across the country have a conversation on how to keep the next one from happening and how to keep guns out of the hands of people who want to commit violence. The nation holds this conversation at the dinner table, on the Internet, and in many other places. But it doesn’t happen in one place where it absolutely should—the halls of Congress. Mass shootin... Read more »

"Once again we are faced with the heartbreaking news of innocent Americans falling victim to hatred and gun violence. ..." Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke on the House floor today, calling on Republican leaders to allow votes on bipartisan legislation to reduce gun violence. In her speech, Pingree said that after the Democratic-organized sit-in two weeks ago, she's heard from many Mainers who have asked if Congress would act. Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is headed back to Washington today where she plans to join colleagues in pushing for a vote in the US House on common sense bills to reduce gun violence in America. "Gun violence has taken a huge personal toll on the lives of so many families in this country," Pingree said. "We can do a lot more to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them and this... Read more »

UPDATE: House Democrats ended their sit in after over 24 hours on the House floor, but will not stop demanding action on commonsense laws to prevent gun violence Congresswoman Chellie Pingree remained on the floor of the US House of Representatives throughout the night, as Democrats occupied the chamber to demand action on common sense gun legislation. Pingree, who began the sit in with Congressma... Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando. Once again our country has been struck with an act of senseless violence and murder. We should put aside ideological and political difference and together stand up against acts of gun violence, hate crimes and domestic terrorism. My thoughts are with the families who have lost someone, the sur... Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the following about President Obama's decision to issue executive orders to help close the gun show loophole and require anyone selling guns as a business—even if it's online or at gun shows—to conduct background checks "Americans agree--violent criminals and terrorists shouldn't be able to buy firearms. And it makes sense to close the loophole that lets them avo... Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today joined Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) and other colleagues to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 and prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. "Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are the weapon of choice for mass shooters in the United States. We cannot continue to stan... Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in response to the shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado yesterday. "The events in Colorado are another vicious and violent attack on women's healthcare. My thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims and the police officers killed and injured while protecting them. "The only person responsible for these attacks ... Read more »

"As the President said, no single law will end gun violence, but that is no reason not to try to solve the problem." Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after President Obama's speech tonight at the memorial service in Newtown, Connecticut. "Tonight the President spoke eloquently and personally to the victims' families, to the community of Newtown and to the nation. The he... Read more »