Washington, D.C. – In response to Jeb Bush’s claim that the “federal government shouldn’t be involved in gun laws,” DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“In claiming that there is no role for the federal government in regulating gun safety, Jeb Bush is insisting that Americans simply must accept future violence and leave a response to the possibility of a state-by-state solution. I am speechless.

“Republicans like Jeb Bush should put the wishes of the American people, who demand action like universal background checks, ahead of the endorsement of special interest groups. They must stop excusing the murders of our neighbors as the inevitable price we pay for constitutional liberties. Geography should not determine whether one has basic protections from gun violence. 

“There is much we must do to address gun violence in this nation, and the federal government must play a role in making that happen. Recently my colleague Senator Chris Murphy (CT) asserted that Congress’ silence in the wake of mass shootings amounts to complicity. To remain silent or to discourage action is to be complicit in the future shootings that will occur.”