Pelosi Responds to Reps. Thompson and Esty Letter Calling for End to Gun Riders in Appropriations Bills

Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi replied to a letter addressed to her and Speaker Boehner from Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Chair and Vice-Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, calling for an end to gun-related policy riders in the appropriations process.  In her response, Leader Pelosi expressed her strong agreement that House appropriations bills must be free from these hidden and harmful gun riders – amendments that undermine efforts to keep our communities safe from the threat of gun violence.

"As you made clear in your letter, new gun laws should not be made in the shadows of the appropriations process, hidden from public view," wrote Leader Pelosi.  "Gun-related measures must have a fair and honest debate, conducted through regular order, considered by relevant committees, and brought openly to the floor of the House."

106 Members of Congress joined Reps. Thompson and Esty in sending their letter.  Below is the full text of Leader Pelosi's response:

April 30, 2014

The Honorable Mike Thompson                                             The Honorable Elizabeth Esty

Chair, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force            Vice-Chair, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

231 Cannon House Office Building                                        509 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515                                                            Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Thompson and Vice-Chair Esty,

Thank you for your letter regarding the fiscal year 2015 House Appropriations legislation.  I appreciate your strong leadership on the issue of gun-related policy riders in the appropriations process.

Too often, Members of Congress have used amendments in must-pass legislation to upend research into the causes of gun violence and the means to prevent it; limit the sharing of gun trace data; and block law enforcement from requiring gun dealers to account for their inventory.  These riders have made our communities less secure and left our neighborhoods less safe.

As you made clear in your letter, new gun laws should not be made in the shadows of the appropriations process, hidden from public view.  Gun-related measures must have a fair and honest debate, conducted through regular order, considered by relevant committees, and brought openly to the floor of the House.

All of us take a solemn oath on the first day of every Congress: to protect and defend the Constitution and the people of the United States.  When more than 12,000 people lose their lives to gun violence each year, and thousands more are wounded, it is clear that far more must be done to uphold this promise.  It is not enough to hold a moment of silence when a major shooting incident occurs; it is our responsibility to act to strengthen background checks, keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and stem the tide of gun violence in our schools, cities, and nation.

From the first days of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, you have led the Congress in the effort to devise, develop, and debate legislation to reduce and halt gun violence.  Your persistence and perseverance have proven essential to keeping this challenge front and center.  You have ensured that the memories of victims from Newtown to Tucson and elsewhere are never forgotten – and that the House of Representatives remains focused on steps to prevent these tragedies in the future.

I support your request for an appropriations process that begins through the appropriate committees and develops legislation free of harmful, dangerous, and unnecessary gun policy riders.

Thank you for your leadership.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI

Democratic Leader

cc: The Honorable John A. Boehner, Speaker of the House