CALL TO ACTION: Ban Assault Weapons
Republican elected officials refuse to take action while more Americans are having their lives shattered by gun violence. We cannot allow ourselves to grow numb to the trauma and pain gun violence is inflicting upon our nation, and we cannot ignore Republican inaction and empty expressions of “thoughts and prayers.” Lawmakers can take substantive steps to prevent more gun deaths right now, but Republican elected officials continue to stand in the way.
In his address to the nation following the heartbreaking murder of 19 students and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas, President Biden pointed to the success of the assault weapons ban in 1994. “When we passed the assault weapons ban, mass shootings went down. When the law expired, mass shootings tripled.” Common sense gun safety reforms like banning assault weapons, cracking down on the proliferation of “ghost guns,” and enacting red flag laws would no doubt save lives. But Republican lawmakers continue to prioritize the gun lobby over our safety, security, and lives of our children.
Semi-automatic weapons have been used to carry out the deadliest mass shootings in our country’s history because they are capable of firing more bullets much faster than other types of guns. Common sense gun safety reforms will save lives, and it is up to us to put pressure on elected officials to ensure they pass. Click below to join Jewish Dems in calling on Congress to reinstate the assault weapons ban, support universal background checks, and demand the Senate confirm Steve Dettelbach as Director of the U.S. Government bureau overseeing firearms, ATF.
We welcome the leadership of House Democrats in moving forward with The Protecting Our Kids Act, which would take important first steps toward larger gun safety reform. However, Republican abuse of the filibuster in the Senate all but guarantees that legislation to protect us from gun violence will fail. The best way to stop Republicans from blocking gun safety legislation is to elect more Democrats to the Senate.
REP. TIM RYAN JOINS JEWISH DEMS IN CLEVELAND
Last night, Jewish Dems in Ohio were thrilled to welcome Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) for a discussion on the work he’s doing to deliver for the people of Ohio and advance the priorities of the Jewish community in Congress. JDCA is proud to have endorsed Rep. Ryan to be the next Senator from Ohio. Flipping Ohio Blue this November will be crucial to expanding our Senate majority and winning in November.
WISCONSIN SENATE CANDIDATE FORUM
The Wisconsin Senate race is another opportunity for Democrats to flip a Senate seat from red to blue in November. Ron Johnson is one of the most extreme Republicans in the Senate and has repeatedly blocked progress, including stalling Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt’s confirmation to serve as U.S. Envoy for Combating and Monitoring Antisemitism.
There is a competitive Democratic primary on the horizon to determine who will challenge Johnson in November, and JDCA is here to help Wisconsin voters make an informed decision at the polls. Join us on June 23, at 1:30 PM CST/2:30 PM EST for JDCA’s Wisconsin Democratic Senate Primary Candidate Forum.
CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH JEWISH DEMS
As Jewish Dems Celebrate Pride Month, we are happy to join the Jewish Democratic Women for Action (JDWA) on June 16 at 4 PM EST for “Celebrate PRIDE with Purpose and Activism.” Sign up for this special celebration today.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Shabbat Shalom,
Hon. Ron Klein,
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America
Halie Soifer,
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America