Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's Response to State of the Union

President Obama presented a broad and optimistic blueprint for our country’s future and it’s upon us now as Americans to contribute to that future in the ways we best can.  We should be excited to take up challenges to innovate, to build our economy, to be more fiscally responsible and to make America a better place to live than anywhere else in the world.

[I am] an ardent supporter of reducing gun violence and a strong believer in government’s ability to play a role in that mission, however, I'm disappointed that President Obama did not urge us to look at our nation's gun laws, as he did in his speech about the Tucson massacre earlier this month.  Almost 100,000 people are shot in America every year, and only commonsense action –- like keeping the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people –- will reduce that figure.

But my plan to gain backing for my legislation is progressing, with new supporters every day, and I look forward to continuing that path and hearing from our president in the future.

Update: In a statement Wednesday, McCarthy said, "I feel very encouraged after hearing that President Obama will be addressing the issues of gun violence and gun laws at some time in the future.  Almost 100,000 people are shot in America every year, and a strong response from government – like keeping the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people – would help reduce that tragic figure.  This update from the White House certainly helps the effort to pass my bill banning high-capacity magazines, which is already being backed by 63 cosponsors, 10 senators, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the 1,200-member US Conference of Mayors, and editorial boards and anti-violence advocates from across the country."