WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) released the following statement concerning his support for President Obama’s new executive actions to reduce gun violence and make our communities safer:

“With this historic action, President Obama has taken a significant step toward making America a safer place.

Over the past decade, more than 100,000 Americans have been killed as a result of gun violence. Many of these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place. The overwhelming majority of Americans agree that every single person who purchases a gun should undergo a thorough background check. House Republicans have done nothing to advance gun safety legislation and continue to function as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the gun lobby.  Enough is enough.  It’s time for Congress to act.”