January 16, 2013

Manchin Statement on White House Mass Violence Proposals

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today in response to the White House proposals on mass violence:
 
“I appreciate the work that went into the President’s recommendations. I have not had a chance to review them yet, because I have been meeting with West Virginians today to discuss school safety and the culture of mass violence that has permeated our society today. I will weigh each recommendation carefully.
 
“However, I am disappointed that the President did not recommend the creation of the national commission on mass violence that I have proposed. A national commission can build the consensus we need for real action backed not only by gun control advocates, mental health experts and entertainment industry executives but also by law-abiding gun owners who fully understand the history and heritage of firearms in America. Violence destroys the dignity, hopes and lives of millions of Americans, and we have a unique opportunity to stop this epidemic – but only if we can put politics aside and have an honest and effective conversation about what to do about our culture of mass violence.”

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