“Today marks two years since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, an act of violence in which we needlessly lost 26 lives, 20 of them children.

“For those of us who still vividly recall the profound sadness which accompanied news of this horrific tragedy, it is unfathomable that Congress has yet to enact commonsense measures that can reduce the scourge of gun violence. With each successive incident, the toll of Congress’ inaction mounts. The hope that another parent may avoid having to bury their child as a victim of gun violence should not be viewed as partisan gamesmanship, but one of our fundamental responsibilities as elected officials.

“The victims of Sandy Hook have not been forgotten, nor have the far too many others we’ve lost in the last 24 months. Their loss touches us all, and tears at the fabric of who we are as Americans. On this anniversary, we must use the sadness which fills our hearts to once again find the sense of urgency needed to put an end to gun violence for good.”