Repost of a Thompson email newsletter
[Editor: Note that at a recent meeting with Benicia Indivisible for Justice, Thompson refused to support the banning of automatic assault weapons.  See info about Thompson’s Mar. 3 Town Hall on Gun Violence.  See also Thompson’s webpage on Gun Violence Prevention.  UPDATE: See how Thompson’s views have changed:  He now says that “military grade automatic and semi-automatic assault weapons “do not belong in the hands of citizens.” – R.S.]

February 26, 2018

Dear Friend,

The last two weeks have been tragic as we grapple with the deaths of 17 students and teachers in Parkland. We have also been uplifted and inspired by the young people who push to prevent gun violence. It is another reminder that the majority of Americans want Congress to come to the table and take action.

There are solutions. This year, I introduced a bill that would create a Select Committee to study gun violence so we have recommendations on the best policy map forward. Yet Republican leaders won’t give it a vote. I also introduced bipartisan legislation  that will improve and expand our background check system by closing loopholes, an idea that again, a majority of Americans support. No vote was held on this bill. And throughout my career, I’ve worked to help improve our mental health system, repeal the Dickey Amendment and allow the Centers for Disease Control to study gun violence. These are simple and commonsense proposals, yet Republican leaders have refused to act.

Please know that my fight to keep our children and communities safe will not stop. Thank you to the many in our district and across our nation who have spoken up and spoken out. Your voices are heard and I am fighting to take action to prevent gun violence.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Mike Thompson
Member of Congress