PA Bill Number: HB829
Title: In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Description: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Last Action: Signed in House
Last Action Date: Jul 3, 2024
What Congressional delegates from Pennsylvania are saying after the weekend’s mass shooting carnage :: 08/06/2019
The weekend’s mass shooting carnage in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio continued to command the attention of the nation and its leaders on Monday.
The deadly shootings, which left 31 dead and scores more injured, ignited the latest round of debate on gun control and gun rights in this country.
President Donald Trump condemned bigotry and white supremacy, but he largely put the onus on mental health issues, violent video games and hateful rhetoric on social media for the ongoing crisis in the country.
Congress is on August recess and several gun control measures are poised to demand its attention once the House and Senate members return from recess.
For now, here is a quick survey of what some of the Congressional delegates from Pennsylvania were saying in the wake of the deadly carnage in the latest pair of mass shootings. Some comments were sent directly to PennLive; others were culled from social media. Not all delegates had posted anything on social media.
Democrat Conor Lamb, of the 17th Congressional District in western Pennsylvania, is a US Marine Corps veteran, who widely objects to additional gun control measures.
Taylor McCarty, spokeswoman for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Republican from the 15th Congressional District, said:
“Regarding background checks, Congressman Thompson has long been an advocate for ensuring the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is up to date and can be utilized; most recently by supporting $100 million in funding, and holding federal agencies accountable for compliance. It will take a concerted effort to build upon this process and address the root cause of horrific mass shootings.”
Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from the 10th Congressional District, last weekend waved a copy of the U.S. Constitution to defend the Second Amendment rights during a town hall with constituents. Perry on Sunday tweeted:
Rep. John Joyce, a Republican from Blair County’s 13th District, attended an event with Vice President Mike Pence last week. Here’s what Joyce said on Monday:
“President Trump should be commended for his remarks this morning uniting the nation and calling out the hatred and evil that were behind this weekend’s tragic events in El Paso and Dayton. It is clear the President wants to take action to curb the mass violence that continues to occur in our country, and I am willing to work with him when he provides further details for the legislation he envisions. In the meantime, I’ve already cosponsored the Mass Violence Protection Act, which will to address the challenges that have contributed to some of the nation’s recent tragedies, including failed coordination and response efforts by law enforcement. Congress should take this measure up immediately.”
Philadelphia’s Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, of the 2nd Congressional District, is calling for universal background checks.
Central Pennsylvanian Republican Rep. Fred Keller, of the 12th Congressional District, said:
“The events of this past weekend are senseless acts of hate-filled domestic terrorism. We need to empower communities and law enforcement to proactively identify individuals radicalized by hate to help prevent these tragedies. I am encouraged that the President has outlined a five point, comprehensive framework in which Congress should come together to address this problem. I am committed to working with my colleagues to find meaningful solutions to this epidemic of violence in our country.”
Philadelphia Democrat Rep. Dwight Evans of the 3rd Congressional District tweeted:
Gilroy.
El Paso.
Dayton.
The Senate has a duty to act on the 2 House-passed gun reform bills that would save lives.
Elections have consequences.
— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) August 4, 2019
Montgomery County Democrat Madeleine Dean of the 4th Congressional District is urging the Senate - and calling out Sen. Pat Toomey - to support the universal background bill passed by the House in February:
Freshman Congressman Dan Meuser, a Republican representing the 9th Congressional District, which includes Hershey, said:
“My family and I are heartbroken and appalled by the horrific shootings that occurred in El Paso and Dayton. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, and I wish them peace as they are forced to deal with such an unimaginable loss. Hate and bigotry have no place in our country, and I stand with President Trump in his call to put politics aside to prevent future acts of domestic terrorism. I desire for Congress to enact legislation, including “red flag” proposals that provide due-process rights. Such legislation, however, must never infringe upon the Constitutional rights of law-abiding American citizens. We all must work together to put an end to these atrocities.”
Delaware County Democrat Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, of the 5th Congressional District, tweeted:
It has been 1ï¸Â⃣5ï¸Â⃣9ï¸Â⃣ days since the House passed bipartisan, commonsense background check bills. Words mean nothing without action and the country cannot wait any longer. The Senate needs to do its job — pass the bills on @senatemajldr’s desk. https://t.co/MuU7jKVmyr
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) August 5, 2019
Air Force veteran Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat from the 6th Congressional District, tweeted:
Waiting in the Senate are two background check bills that have already passed the House. Call your Senators and demand action. I have cosponsored a bill banning assault rifles; it sits in the House waiting a vote. /4
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) August 4, 2019
Rep. Susan Wild, a Democrat who represents the Lehigh Valley-area’s 7th Congressional District, tweeted:
We need comprehensive gun reform, and that includes keeping weapons of war off the streets.
This is a reality worth fighting for👇. pic.twitter.com/V4ANM5qyau
— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) August 5, 2019
Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Democrat in northeastern Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, tweeted:
Violent tragedies like those in El Paso and Dayton can be prevented, and must be prevented. The House has already approved two bills to save lives and expand background checks across our country; they’ve been sitting on Senator McConnell’s desk for months. #EnoughIsEnough
— Matt Cartwright (@RepCartwright) August 5, 2019
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) said:
“Enough. We don’t have to live like this. Politicians who refuse to take action to reduce gun violence are complicit in this carnage. If we’re going to truly confront this uniquely American problem, we have to speak uncomfortable truths. Over and over again, domestic terrorists use high powered, military-style assault weapons to kill our children and our families. There are a whole range of steps that must be taken. Congress’s first priority must be passing universal background checks, limiting the size of magazines and banning military-style assault weapons, among other measures. Senate Majority Leader McConnell should immediately call the Senate back to Washington this week to debate and vote on universal background check legislation that was passed by the House in February."
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa) called on Congress to revive his 2013 proposal calling on expanded background checks on gun sales.
“It’s long overdue,” Toomey said Monday about the Manchin-Toomey bill. “This is a common sense and very, very broadly supported measure that fully respects the right of law abiding citizens and respect the rights of the Second Amendment.”
Toomey reiterated opposition to any bans on military style semi automatic weapons.
“The category referred to as assault weapons are overwhelmingly very popular firearms that have no more firepower than ordinary hunting rifles,” Toomey said.
