As I write this there have been 50,152 gun violence incidents, including 313 mass shootings already this year in the U.S. There are 12,836 dead and 24,790 injured. As you read this, there are undoubtedly more.

The NRA maintains a tight hold on the Republican party. Gun groups are already calling for the lame-duck Congress to push through pro-gun legislation while they still have the majority. The National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act has passed the House. The Lawful Purposes and Self Protection Act (which among other things, loosens restrictions on armor piercing ammunition) is in committee.

A majority of Americans want stronger gun laws, and they spoke in the midterm elections. In the House, 27 pro-gun Republicans lost. 46 candidates endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety won. We need the progressive tide of the midterm elections to start a tide of progressive gun reform.

Any last-ditch efforts of a lame-duck Congress to force through their pro-gun agenda must be blocked. The new Congress must move forward with progressive gun safety legislation.

The voices of reason calling to stop gun violence have been muzzled for too long.

Use your voice now. Call your Senators and Representative.

ACTION ONE: CALL YOUR SENATORS

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR MERKLEY AND WYDEN:

(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I’m very worried about the gun violence epidemic in this country. I am asking the Senator to block any last-minute push for the passage of pro-gun legislation in this Congress and to press for progressive gun violence prevention legislation in this Congress and the next. I also ask him to voice support for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. We need her leadership to get this done. Thank you.”

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I’m very worried about the gun violence epidemic in this country. I am asking the Representative to do all that he/she can to push for gun safety. I expect to see progressive gun violence prevention legislation in this and the next congress. And to do that we need an experienced, progressive leader, like Nancy Pelosi. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES WALDEN AND SCHRADER:

(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I’m very worried about the gun violence epidemic in this country. I am calling because the Representative needs to consider the lives and safety of his constituents over the support of the gun lobby. I am asking him to stop accepting money from the NRA and other gun industry lobbies and to support and pass comprehensive gun legislation. I also ask him to voice support for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. We need her leadership to get this done Thank you.”

Starting in January 2019, House Democrats will have the power to determine which bills get votes. Read Indivisible’s new strategy for how progressives can use their constituent power to set the legislative agenda with a bold progressive vision rooted in inclusion, fairness, and justice. https://indivisible.org/campaign/indivisible-whats-next